ADUO "has large implications for this year and for next year," claims Mekies

Formula One’s engine equalisation mechanism—the ADUO system—has become a central talking point during last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, after the FIA’s first-period assessment unexpectedly placed Red Bull Powertrains at the top of the internal combustion engine performance chart.

The finding, delivered after the Canadian Grand Prix, came as a surprise to the Milton Keynes-based manufacturer, which immediately requested a formal review.

With the FIA’s verdict still pending, Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies addressed the situation in Spielberg, outlining both the team’s reaction and the potential consequences of the preliminary classification.

Asked directly about the ADUO results and what they mean for Red Bull and its sister team Racing Bulls, Mekies did not hide his astonishment at the FIA’s initial conclusion.

“Look, at first, yes, we have received preliminary information from the FIA, and yes, we were – and we are – very surprised about this preliminary information.”

The ADUO system is designed to help manufacturers who fall behind the field-leading power unit by granting them additional development allowances.

Being classified as the best internal combustion engine on the grid would mean Red Bull receives no uplift, while rivals could gain extra performance opportunities.

Given the competitive sensitivity of the mechanism, Mekies stressed that Red Bull immediately entered detailed discussions with the governing body.

“We have been having very constructive discussions with the FIA ever since. They are doing a review, we are exchanging as many data as possible to make sure they get the right picture and the full picture.”

The implications of the ADUO assessment extend far beyond the current season. With the 2026 regulations introducing radically new power units—and with Red Bull Powertrains producing its first-ever F1 engine—the stakes are enormous.

Mekies made clear that Red Bull fundamentally disagrees with the FIA’s preliminary conclusion: “Because, as you said, not only do we feel differently about this outcome, but also it has large implications for this year and for next year.”

He emphasised that the priority is ensuring the system works correctly for the sport as a whole.

“So, it’s important, first and foremost for the sport, that we get that right, and obviously for Red Bull Racing, the impact of being on one side of the fence or on the other side of the fence will be large.”