Red Bull challenges FIA over ADUO engine ruling

The FIA held a high‑level meeting at Silverstone with Red Bull executives Oliver Mintzlaff and co‑owner Mark Mateschitz to explain its assessment that the team's internal‑combustion engine is the strongest on the grid, rendering Red Bull ineligible for ADUO development concessions. After an eight‑day review of Red Bull's data, the governing body maintained its decision, prompting a second discussion involving team principal Laurent Mekies and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur and other paddock figures expressed surprise at the ruling, noting that ADUO eligibility is based solely on combustion‑engine output, not the full power unit, which allows Mercedes to receive upgrades despite its overall performance advantage. Red Bull warns that the decision could erode its competitive edge as rival teams can upgrade both engines and batteries.

Separate talks reported in the Netherlands indicate Red Bull attempted to buy out Max Verstappen's performance clause, offering up to €8 million, which the driver declined, adding further tension within the team.