Laurent Mekies Warns of Red Bull ADUO Risk in 2026

Laurent Mekies has warned that Red Bull Racing faces a major technical risk after the 2026 ADUO assessment identified its engine as the strongest on the Formula 1 grid. The decision prevents Red Bull from upgrading its internal combustion engine during the current season.

The new system was introduced by the FIA to prevent one manufacturer from retaining a prolonged advantage following the introduction of new regulations. After analysing data from the opening rounds, the governing body concluded that Red Bull possessed the strongest engine performance among the competing manufacturers.

The conclusion surprised Red Bull, which holds a different assessment of its power unit’s competitive position. The FIA subsequently began reviewing its findings, although reports cited in the available material suggest that the original decision has not been changed.

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“There is a large risk there for Red Bull, so you are completely right in exposing that risk,” Mekies told media including RacingNews365.

Red Bull’s principal concern relates to the scope of ADUO, which assesses only the internal combustion engine element of the power unit. That creates the possibility that rival manufacturers can continue developing other components of their systems while Red Bull has no equivalent opportunity to improve its combustion engine.

Mekies believes the difference between receiving additional development freedom and being denied it will have major consequences. The effect is not limited to Red Bull’s competitiveness during the 2026 season, as it could also influence the technical direction of the project for the following campaign.

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

Red Bull accepts that the review process requires time, despite preferring an earlier conclusion. Mekies stressed that reaching the correct decision is more important than reaching a rapid one because the ruling could determine development freedom, the competitive balance between manufacturers and Red Bull’s ability to respond to progress made by its rivals.

With the ADUO ruling currently remaining in place, Red Bull must maximise its existing package without further internal combustion engine development. The FIA’s final explanation will therefore be important in determining whether the restriction is maintained and how heavily it affects the remainder of Red Bull’s 2026 campaign and preparations for the following season.