“Large risk” Red Bull will be unable to upgrade engine due to FIA’s ADUO decision – Mekies | Formula 1

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies says there is a danger Red Bull will be unable to upgrade their power unit after the FIA decided it has the best combustion engine.

The new Red Bull-Ford engine which powers both the companies’ teams surprisingly came out on top when the FIA compared the relative performance of the different combustion engines in F1 under its new Additional Development Upgrade Opportunity rules. As a result, Red Bull’s rivals such as Mercedes and Ferrari will be allowed more opportunities to introduce upgrades for their power units.

Mekies said the ADUO rules risk putting Red Bull in a position where they are unable to introduce upgrades for their power unit, leaving them at a disadvantage.

“There is a large risk there for Red Bull,” he said. “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.”

While other manufacturers have begun introducing upgrades in response to the FIA’s ADUO decision, Red Bull are continuing to lobby the FIA over its decision.

“We are thankful to the FIA for the fact that they are taking the time to release their conclusion,” said Mekies. “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.”

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen made a pointed reference to his car’s lack of power on his radio during the second practice session at the Red Bull Ring today.

The FIA has explained its decision to Red Bull. Mekies said “we were – and we are – very surprised about this preliminary information.”

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

“Not only do we feel differently about this outcome, but also it has large implications for this year and for next year. 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.”

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

2026 Austrian Grand Prix

• “Large risk” Red Bull will be unable to upgrade engine due to FIA’s ADUO decision – Mekies
• Antonelli stays on top ahead of McLarens in second practice
• Antonelli leads Mercedes one-two as technical trouble delays McLaren and Red Bull
• Are Ferrari back? What is McLaren’s ‘experimental’ wing?: Six Austrian GP talking points
• How to watch the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix live this weekend

Browse all 2026 Austrian Grand Prix articles