Red Bull awaits ADUO lifeline as FIA prepares second-period engine rankings

Red Bull-Ford Powertrains was ranked as having F1's best internal combustion engine in the first ADUO period, but the result was never officially published. The FIA shelved the announcement after Red Bull protested, and the team now waits for the second-period verdict ahead of Monza.

Why it matters:

ADUO tokens are the only way manufacturers can upgrade their power units this season. Missing out in the first period leaves Red Bull unable to develop while rivals Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi and Honda all secured tokens.

The details:

• First-period results, shared during Monaco, gave Mercedes one token and Ferrari, Audi and Honda two each. Red Bull got none.
• Red Bull disputed the outcome, with CEO Oliver Mintzlaff involved. Laurent Mekies said there was "not a single data point" suggesting RBPT had the best engine.
• A factual review changed nothing. FIA's Nikolas Tombazis defended the measurements but admitted weaknesses: only the ICE is measured, even though tokens apply to the electrical side too.
• The paddock believes Mercedes and Ferrari played it smart by not showing their full engine performance in early races.

What's next:

• Second-period results, covering races up to Hungary, are expected this week or early next week, before Monza.
• Red Bull needs its ICE to be more than 2% behind the best unit to earn a token. Rivals could still game the system by holding back.
• If Red Bull misses out again, its final chance comes after Austin. A token now would mean every manufacturer has received at least one in the first ADUO season.