The Red Bull concern and Ferrari's new problem after FIA's shock F1 engine ADUO findings have sent ripples through the Monaco Grand Prix paddock. A simple note from the FIA to F1 engine manufacturers caused significant waves, confirming that Red Bull's power unit is the benchmark, dashing their upgrade hopes while offering opportunities to rivals.
FIA's ADUO Findings Shake Up the Grid
Under the newly-introduced Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system, manufacturers significantly down on performance can qualify for upgrades. The assumption was that Mercedes, given their early-season dominance, would be the benchmark. However, a note sent at the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday confirmed a surprise verdict: Red Bull's internal combustion engine (ICE) is the best, with Mercedes second, and Ferrari, Audi, and Honda all four percent or more behind.
Red Bull: Pride and Concern
For Red Bull, there is internal pride that their first-ever F1 combustion engine, built from scratch by Red Bull Powertrains, has been judged the best. But for their performance ambitions this season, it is a blow. They cannot make any changes to their engines, and no extra testing time or cost cap budget is offered, while rivals qualifying for upgrades receive allowances. Team principal Laurent Mekies declined to comment after the race.
Confirmation that Red Bull has the strongest ICE will put a stronger spotlight on other areas, such as aerodynamic balance, which Max Verstappen has complained about.
Ferrari: A Moving Target
Ferrari, expected to upgrade their engines, received good news: because their ICEs were judged more than four percent down, they can homologate two upgrades this year with a raised cost cap and more bench testing hours. However, their task is complicated by Mercedes not being the benchmark. With Mercedes also allowed to develop, Ferrari's target has shifted. Lewis Hamilton noted that any upgrade is an eight-to-10-month project, not an overnight gain.
The Mercedes Implication
Mercedes are getting significantly more out of the electrical side of their engines, which was not tested. They have won every Grand Prix so far, with Lando Norris winning the Miami Sprint in a McLaren with a Mercedes engine. When Mercedes homologate their engines, it may affect their power unit customers, who will need to understand the new developments.
