FIA names Red Bull engine best, allows Mercedes and Ferrari upgrades

The FIA has confirmed that Red Bull Powertrains‑Ford produced the strongest internal‑combustion engine on the 2023 grid. Under the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) rules, the leading engine is barred from introducing upgrades for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Conversely, manufacturers that trail the best engine by at least 2 % are permitted to make upgrades, with larger deficits allowing multiple updates and extra budget‑cap allowances.

Mercedes, judged to be about 2 % behind Red Bull, and Ferrari, around 4 % behind, have both been granted upgrade rights for the next two seasons. Audi and Honda, with larger gaps, also receive upgrade permissions. A FIA spokesperson explained the process, and Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said the team is awaiting official confirmation of the decision.