Red Bull Ford power unit leads over Mercedes in FIA ADUO assessment
The FIA’s ADUO (Automatic Differential Unit Optimisation) evaluation, which compares internal‑combustion engines across Formula 1, has again placed the Red Bull‑Ford power unit ahead of Mercedes. The assessment uses a Performance Index; manufacturers that fall at least 2 % behind the benchmark receive extra development allowances and a higher cost cap. As a result, Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi and Honda become eligible for additional homologation updates based on their gap to Red Bull‑Ford.
Mercedes has reportedly altered its engine after the previous ADUO round, focusing on reliability rather than outright performance. The federation is also considering future rule changes that would incorporate battery performance into the evaluation.
Separately, Red Bull is weighing an early end to the development of its current chassis and a shift of resources toward a new car for the 2027 season. Team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that the decision will be made sooner than a year from now, citing the narrow operating window of the present car and ongoing concerns expressed by driver Max Verstappen about performance and telemetry limitations.
Entities: Ford · Laurent Mekies · Max Verstappen · Mercedes · Red Bull Racing
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Team principal Laurent Mekies said the decision on shifting resources to the 2027 car will be made sooner than a year from now due to regulatory constraints. (Laurent Mekies)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The FIA’s ADUO evaluation rates internal‑combustion engines using a Performance Index; manufacturers at least 2 % behind the benchmark receive extra development allowances and a higher cost cap. (FIA)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mercedes modified its power unit after the previous ADUO round, focusing on reliability rather than performance. (GPblog)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Red Bull‑Ford power unit is rated higher than Mercedes in the ADUO assessment, provided the FIA uses the same measurement method as earlier in the season. (GPblog)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The FIA is considering adjusting ADUO regulations to include battery performance in future assessments. (GPblog)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Driver Max Verstappen has expressed concerns about the current car’s performance and claims he can sense aspects not captured by telemetry. (Max Verstappen)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi and Honda become eligible for additional homologation updates depending on how far behind they are from Red Bull‑Ford. (GPblog)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Red Bull is contemplating ending development of its current chassis early and reallocating resources to a new car for the 2027 season. (Red Bull team statements)