Max Verstappen didn't mince words. After the Monza race, the Red Bull driver once again highlighted the FIA's ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) system, which he deems unfair. According to him, the performance at Monza is clear proof that there is still a significant difference in the deployment of the Mercedes power unit.
The FIA's decision, announced after Zandvoort, was already an open secret in the paddock since Monaco: every manufacturer received an ADUO token, except Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Based on the first measurement period, Red Bull topped the ranking with the most powerful internal combustion engine (ICE), and the second period, which ended after the Hungarian GP, did nothing to change that.
However, the delayed official announcement was closely linked to Red Bull's dissatisfaction behind the scenes. The Milton Keynes-based team repeatedly asked for clarification, with CEO Oliver Mintzlaff heavily involved. Verstappen had been cautious in his comments, but after the formal announcement, he surprisingly indicated that discussions were still ongoing. "My comments are still the same as last time. We are surprised as a team and we don't see the same numbers, so yeah, we're still in discussions with the FIA about this. We'll see what comes out of this," he told Motorsport.com.
That statement is somewhat surprising given that the results have been officially announced. The FIA clarified that Red Bull remains unhappy behind closed doors and continues to express its dissatisfaction, even though that would not change the results. The problem runs deeper: the measurements are based solely on the ICE, while the upgrade opportunities also cover the electrical side of the power unit. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said he was open to taking more parameters into account, but the teams and manufacturers insisted on keeping the system as simple as possible.
With Red Bull at the top of the ICE ranking, this weakness in the system is being exposed in the worst possible way. Red Bull is lacking on the electrical side and needs to work on that, but cannot do so because it has not received an ADUO token. Red Bull Racing is caught in a difficult situation: they are considered to have the best engine, yet they actually need development in other areas. Monza, with its high-speed characteristics, was the perfect stage to show that the gap to Mercedes is still felt.
Verstappen may not be able to change the FIA's decision, but he continues to voice his team's concerns. This is not just about numbers on paper, but about fair competition. If the system is not fixed, it's not impossible that tensions between Red Bull and the FIA will continue into future seasons.
Read Also
F1 Spanish GP 2026 FP3 at Madring starts at 12:30. The final practice session is crucial for qualifying prep. Follow live report and results on Sportrik.
Max Verstappen will face 100 go-karters at Silverstone without preparation. Read what Leclerc and Sainz said about this unique challenge.
David Coulthard praises Kimi Antonelli's charge from 19th to win the Italian GP at Monza as a phenomenal drive, ranking it among F1's greatest. Full analysis.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!