Jun.11 (GMM) Red Bull is reportedly furious about a controversial FIA engine assessment that has unexpectedly designated the team as Formula 1’s benchmark power unit manufacturer.
The dispute centres on the FIA’s new ADUO system, which allows underperforming engine suppliers additional development opportunities.
According to De Telegraaf journalist Erik van Haren, manufacturers received a one-page FIA document in Monaco outlining the governing body’s findings.
The assessment reportedly focuses only on the combustion engine component of the power unit. “Approximately half of the power comes from the electric motor, but this is excluded from this measurement,” Van Haren explained.
Under the provisional findings, Mercedes is said to be more than 2 percent behind the benchmark and therefore eligible for one upgrade package across this year and next.
Ferrari, Audi and Honda are reportedly 4 percent or more behind and may be allowed two upgrade packages.
Red Bull, however, receives no concessions at all.
“Sources confirm that Red Bull is very dissatisfied with the FIA’s ADUO results, now that, as a debutant at the engine ball, it is immediately the so-called benchmark,” Van Haren wrote.
The frustration stems partly from the fact that Mercedes has won every race so far in 2026, with many paddock figures assuming the German manufacturer had the strongest overall power unit package.
Red Bull is understood to be seeking clarification from the FIA, which has yet to publicly confirm the findings.
The governing body has remained silent despite growing speculation in the paddock, while Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies also declined to comment in Monaco.
“He did not want to comment on this yet, because the FIA had not yet released the verdict,” a source said.
The FIA’s continued silence is also drawing criticism elsewhere.
L’Equipe journalist Frederic Ferret complained that “the figures remain unclear because the Federation continues to operate behind the scenes, without transparency”.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher suspects politics may have played a role.
“Of course, the electric part also plays a major role, but that was not taken into account in this comparison,” he said on Sky Deutschland.
“I’m sticking with the fact that Mercedes played this very smart,” he said. “Toto Wolff kept stressing that the Ford-Red Bull engine would be so strong.
“That reminds me of Balance of Performance in GT racing – you have to operate smartly to take advantage of the season. I think Mercedes did just that.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if their engine hasn’t shown everything yet.”
However, Schumacher also praised Red Bull’s achievement if the FIA assessment is correct.
“We must continue to emphasise how special it is what Red Bull has achieved,” he said. “Ultimately, it remains an energy drink company that is now building a top engine.
“Christian Horner deserves a lot of credit for that.”
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