Jun.9 (GMM) Formula 1’s controversial ADUO engine assistance system is already sparking accusations of political manoeuvring before the FIA has even formally explained its decision.
The governing body is expected to outline the details this week, but leaked information suggests Mercedes and Ferrari will receive development concessions while Red Bull-Ford will not.
The ADUO system is designed to help manufacturers that have fallen behind under the new and highly controversial 2026 power unit regulations.
According to paddock reports, Red Bull’s combustion engine has been assessed as the benchmark, making it ineligible for assistance.
That has surprised many observers given Mercedes’ dominant start to the season.
In Mercedes’ case, reports suggest the FIA has determined the German manufacturer is roughly 2 percent behind the benchmark engine.
Ferrari is believed to be more than 4 percent adrift, potentially unlocking a broader package of concessions including extra development hours, additional funding and greater homologation flexibility.
Honda, meanwhile, is reportedly the furthest behind, with a deficit estimated at between 6 and 8 percent.
Audi is thought to sit between Ferrari and Honda, qualifying for significant assistance as it develops its first Formula 1 power unit.
Dutch racer Tom Coronel admits he finds the rankings difficult to understand. “I just heard the rumours,” he told Viaplay.
“It is now said that Ford has the best engine and Mercedes has the second strongest engine.”
He then raised two fingers while joking about the political nature of Formula 1. “In other words, the lobbyists of Mercedes are doing very well.
“I’m sure they’ll get paid well.”
Coronel suspects there is far more at play than pure engineering.
“It is of course a big political game,” he said.
The controversy centres on the fact that ADUO only measures the performance of the internal combustion engine.
Crucially, it does not account for battery performance, energy recovery systems or electrical power output – all major factors under Formula 1’s heavily electrified 2026 regulations.
Red Bull reportedly argues that its peak performance is only achieved in a narrow operating window and does not tell the full story of the power unit.
For now, Red Bull’s focus remains on finding performance elsewhere, with technical boss Pierre Wache confirming that more upgrades are coming.
“In Barcelona we bring a few small developments,” he told Canal Plus.
“But in Austria we will introduce a larger upgrade package.”
Wache also confirmed Red Bull is still working to remove the last remaining excess weight from the car.
