The FIA is re-evaluating the results of its initial ADUO power unit measurement program after data presented ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix unexpectedly ranked Red Bull Ford Powertrains as the most powerful engine on the grid.
According to reports from RacingNews365, the FIA informed teams during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend that Red Bull possesses the strongest internal combustion engine, making them the only manufacturer ineligible for performance upgrades.
The governing body is currently reviewing the figures to ensure maximum measurement accuracy, which has delayed an official public announcement.
The current baseline data places the race-winning Mercedes power unit more than 2 percent behind Red Bull, granting the German manufacturer one additional engine upgrade for both this year and next year.
Meanwhile, Ferrari, Audi, and Honda trail the leader by more than 4 percent and are eligible for two performance upgrades across the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen expressed surprise regarding the initial evaluation during a press conference on the Thursday before the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
He confirmed that his team has engaged in discussions with the FIA seeking clarification on the measurement process.
"I think we all were a bit surprised by the news.
I think that's why we're also talking to the FIA to see what happened and how they came to that conclusion.
Not much more I have to say about it now," said Verstappen.
The four-time world champion noted that while the newly debuted power unit program has shown impressive rapid development over its first six race weekends, the team still experiences reliability issues.
"It's a bit double. If you look at it from the outside, you should say it's great.
But we are surprised, because for our feeling we are not the best," he said.
"Of course it's very impressive what they've done. If you look, we're definitely not the worst.
It's very impressive what they've been able to do in such a short timeframe," Verstappen added.
The engineering division continues to push for improvements despite the unexpected classification, as the team remains focused on resolving ongoing technical hurdles during the current race week in Spain.
"Of course we still see some reliability problems, but overall it's nice to be part of this.
You also see the drive of the people and what they want to do. They are never satisfied and that applies to me too," Verstappen said.
"They are also just as disappointed when things don't go well. So in a way we are proud.
We are only also a bit confused that we are suddenly put forward as the best. For our feeling we are not," he concluded.
