Red Bull Racing works with the FIA to adjust ADUO after controversial 2026 outcomes, seeking a fairer assessment of power units as Formula 1 prepares regulation refinements for 2027.

ADUO, launched in 2026, benchmarks V6 turbo-hybrid performance by isolating internal combustion engine output and allocates upgrade tokens to manufacturers lagging behind the best.

Many expected Mercedes to set the benchmark. Instead, Red Bull was classified first because ADUO excludes hybrid recovery and deployment, areas where Mercedes remains notably strong.

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis concedes weaknesses in the metric, and discussions are active to refine the rules for 2027.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies says the team was surprised by the outcome and initially contested it, as noted in their ADUO talks.

Mekies stresses Red Bull prefers performance gains over assistance from tokens, and wants ADUO to reflect true engine contribution within the hybrid package.

Under current rankings, Mercedes receives one token for being 2–4% down, while Ferrari, Audi, and Honda each gain two for exceeding a 4% deficit. Red Bull receives none.

Despite zero tokens, Red Bull improves steadily through RB22 updates and operating refinements. The team highlights drivability and engine windows as significant gains in their first power-unit season.

September’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix delivered a major package. Max Verstappen finished second to George Russell, taking a fifth podium in six starts.

A week later in Malaysia, Verstappen claimed Red Bull’s first 2026 victory, underlining how the gap has closed since the early rounds.

Mekies frames Baku as one step in a larger programme spanning chassis and power unit, accelerating in-season progress and reducing the early-season deficit.

Red Bull’s trajectory keeps Mercedes in sight as 2027 nears, with ADUO changes expected to balance evaluation of complete engine packages and the complexity of their F1 development.

The team continues aggressive development within regulations, while targeting further power-unit maturity and execution gains, supported by Verstappen’s recent victories and team progress.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.