The FIA has provisionally identified the Red Bull Powertrains engine as the benchmark performer for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This assessment, part of the Additional Development Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system, was communicated to teams after an initial evaluation period.
The ADUO framework is designed to prevent long-term dominance by a single power unit manufacturer. It allows engine suppliers trailing the benchmark to introduce development upgrades to their internal combustion engines (ICE) throughout the season.
Under this system, Red Bull Powertrains, having been deemed the strongest, will not receive any development tokens. Conversely, manufacturers such as Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi, and Honda, which were rated behind Red Bull’s benchmark, will be allocated upgrade opportunities.
Mercedes was assessed to be more than two percent behind Red Bull’s ICE, earning them one homologation token for 2026 and another for 2027. Ferrari, Audi, and Honda were found to be more than four percent adrift, qualifying them for two upgrade tokens in both 2026 and 2027.
This ruling has generated frustration within the Red Bull camp. Max Verstappen expressed surprise at the FIA’s conclusion, stating that the team does not perceive their power unit as the outright best.
Red Bull’s concern stems from the ADUO system’s exclusive focus on the internal combustion engine, overlooking the battery component, which the team reportedly views as a weaker area of their power unit.
The FIA began a new round of data analysis on the internal combustion engines following the Hungarian Grand Prix. The federation is expected to inform teams of the outcome before the Dutch Grand Prix weekend.
Max Verstappen currently holds sixth position in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings with 109 points, following the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 26.
Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen’s manager, recently visited the Red Bull GmbH headquarters. Vermeulen has consistently emphasized the necessity of a competitive car for Verstappen’s long-term future in Formula 1, despite his contract running until the end of 2028.
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, scheduled for August 21-23 at Circuit Zandvoort, will mark the final edition of the event under its current agreement with Formula 1.
