Mekies warns of “large risk” in ADUO dispute as Red Bull pushes for correct FIA verdict

On the eve of the Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies faced a fresh round of questions about the FIA’s ADUO engine‑equalisation system, with the Frenchman confirming that the Milton Keynes-based outfit are still waiting for the final review.

With Ferrari and Audi already using ADUO tokens while Red Bull awaits the FIA’s review of its preliminary classification, Mekies laid out the risks, the strategic implications, and the broader consequences for the team’s future.

With other manufacturers already deploying ADUO development tokens, Mekies acknowledged the danger of Red Bull being locked out of engine upgrades if the FIA’s initial assessment stands.

“You’re right. There is a large risk there for Red Bull, so you are completely right in exposing that risk.”

He stressed that this is precisely why Red Bull is pushing hard for the FIA to reach an accurate conclusion: “It is one of the reasons why it is vital for Red Bull, and more generally for the sport, that we get that picture right.”

Mekies reiterated his appreciation for the FIA’s willingness to take additional time to review the data: “And again, we are thankful to the FIA for the fact that they are taking the time to release their conclusion.

"And yes, you always would like to reach an earlier conclusion, but it’s more important that we reach the right one, even if it takes a bit more time.”

Mekies did not shy away from the reality of Red Bull’s performance deficit: “I think the picture you are describing is probably correct. We started very far away.”

He pointed to the Miami upgrade as the first major step in closing the gap: “We have done that step in Miami, four races ago, that left us, as you said, around four, five‑tenths threshold, which on some tracks allows us to fight for podiums, on some tracks does not allow us to fight for podiums.”

When pressed on whether Red Bull’s inability to upgrade its ICE—combined with inconsistent competitiveness across recent races—might affect Max Verstappen’s long‑term commitment to the team, Mekies said: “Now, regardless of Max, that’s not what we are here to do. So, we completely know that we need more steps.”

This weekend’s massive upgrade package is intended to deliver another significant gain: “This weekend is quite a crucial step to try to get much closer and to try to fight for bigger positions.

"It doesn’t mean that everything will be resolved this weekend. It means that we will need a bit of time to get that package to work. It’s very large.”

As for Verstappen’s future, Mekies was clear: the Dutchman understands the scale of the challenge.

“Now, whether that is influencing timing of discussions with Max, honestly, no. Max knows very well how much a Formula 1 team needs to absorb one second of deficit to competition.”

“We hope we can get out of this weekend and be within the last two or three tenths from competition, which I think in the number of races is remarkable progression, and that’s what matters at that moment, that we are able to close that gap continuously.”

Asked whether Red Bull had already altered its upgrade plans in response to the FIA’s preliminary ADUO classification, Mekies said the team is holding steady until the review is complete.

“We didn’t expect that early result from the FIA, you’re right. At the moment, we are not changing any strategy, because these results are not a conclusion as it stands.”

The priority is ensuring the FIA reaches the correct verdict—even if that delays certain development steps: “So, we are spending our energy to engage with the FIA to make sure they reach the right conclusion.”

“We have not changed any of our development strategy yet, but we try to get to the right answer. We try to take the time needed to get to the right answer.”

Mekies made clear that a short delay in upgrades is far less damaging than an incorrect ADUO classificationn: “If it means our development needs to be moved by a few weeks, it is still a much lower consequence on the overall performance compared to getting the wrong answer and having heavy consequences both in ’26 and in ’27."