Red Bull challenges ADUO system and calls for changes for 2027

Red Bull believes the ADUO system does not fully reflect its engine’s performance and wants it adjusted for 2027. The team is working with the FIA on the issue, while the mechanism’s latest results award it no additional development tokens.

Introduced for 2026, ADUO assesses V6 engine performance at the end of each quarter. It grants at least one token to manufacturers judged to be behind. In the latest assessment, Mercedes received one for being 2–4% down on power, while Ferrari, Audi and Honda each received two for a shortfall of more than 4%. Red Bull received none.

The system was initially expected to identify Mercedes as the benchmark, given its dominant start under the new regulations. Instead, it identifies Red Bull. One limitation is its scope: the assessment considers only the internal combustion engine, which is not the only performance factor in hybrid power units. Mercedes is strong across the board, the dossier says.

“We were surprised, and more than that, by the FIA’s initial evaluations,” Laurent Mekies said. The team boss said Red Bull had made its case and was discussing possible improvements to the methodology for next year with the governing body. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis confirmed that the system has “weaknesses” that Red Bull is keen to see addressed.

Having no token does not mean the team has no scope to improve. Red Bull has continued developing the RB22 and has gradually improved its form this season. Mekies noted that while ADUO seeks to estimate the peak power of the internal combustion engine, other performance factors can still be developed.

Red Bull introduced its latest major upgrade package at the September Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Max Verstappen finished second there, less than a second behind Mercedes’ George Russell. Mekies said the significance of that upgrade lay less in what it unlocked than in the team’s broader development effort. Red Bull wants the rules adjusted for 2027 while continuing to make progress on track.