FIA unlikely to overturn controversial ADUO ruling blocking Red Bull upgrades

The FIA is expected to uphold its decision ranking Red Bull as Formula 1's benchmark engine manufacturer, confirming the team will remain blocked from ADUO tokens. Despite demands for clarity from team principal Laurent Mekies, an FIA review of the first judgement period is unlikely to overturn findings that placed the squad at least 2% clear of Mercedes.

Why it matters:

Locked out of upgrades, Red Bull now stands alone among power unit manufacturers unable to introduce performance steps under ADUO. With Ferrari, Audi, and Honda all pushing developments, the ruling threatens to stall Red Bull's progress while rivals gain ground.

The details:

• The FIA ranking assesses only the internal combustion engine, excluding battery and energy recovery performance where Red Bull may trail.
• Speaking in Barcelona, Mekies said no data sample showed Red Bull holding an advantage over Mercedes, openly disputing the governing body's conclusion.
• The first review period ended at the Canadian Grand Prix in late May, with teams officially notified during the Monaco Grand Prix three weeks ago.
• Sources say the FIA's ongoing review is nearing completion and the initial verdict—placing Red Bull at least 2% clear—is expected to stand before next month's Belgian Grand Prix.
• Ferrari has already introduced an upgrade in Austria, while Audi delivered driveability improvements in Barcelona and Honda is targeting an update around the summer break.

What's next:

Red Bull's hopes of unlocking ADUO access rest on the second review period running from Monaco to the Hungarian Grand Prix. If Mercedes refrains from introducing a significant ICE upgrade and instead develops other power unit areas, Red Bull risks being trapped again as the benchmark engine maker, forcing another extended spell without meaningful performance gains.