Why Red Bull can't fix the problem that hurt Verstappen most at Monza

The ADUO debate has been building all season, but Monza brought it into sharper focus. Red Bull is still considered the benchmark power unit, with Mercedes remaining in the two-to-four per cent range behind them, and Ferrari, Honda and Audi remaining more than four per cent behind.

Mercedes has been allowed one additional power unit upgrade, while Ferrari, Honda and Audi received two each. Red Bull qualifies for nothing and cannot modify any component.

The ADUO system is measured on the FIA's ICE Performance Index, calculated from torque, engine speed and MGU-K output across representative laps.

The assessment solely measures the ICE and completely ignores the performance of the Energy Recovery System. The FIA has admitted that the index is not representative of full power unit performance, as the electrical system plays a crucial role in overall power output.

Manufacturers previously argued to expand the testing parameters, but the FIA rejected a more complex ranking system to keep the regulatory framework manageable.

Critics highlight a fundamental mismatch: the 2026 power units deliver roughly a 50/50 split between ICE and electric power, yet ADUO assesses only the combustion side. What makes this especially painful for Red Bull is the scope of the upgrades on offer.

Although eligibility is based only on ICE performance, the permitted upgrade scope is much broader. Manufacturers can modify the ERS package, turbocharger, MGU-K, control electronics, and cooling systems.

In practice, ADUO offers significant technical flexibility rather than narrowly targeting one component. Red Bull are lacking on the electric side of the power unit, but ADUO does not allow them to make any improvements, even to the electric side where they are lacking.

The 2026 power unit regulations have made electrical energy management a central part of every lap. At circuits with long periods at full throttle, the battery cannot provide maximum assistance throughout the straights and the cars run out of electrical deployment before the drivers reach the corners.

Mercedes's advantage was strongest precisely where Monza places the greatest emphasis on efficiency: the long acceleration zones where available power and low drag translate directly into lap time. As GPblog reported before the race, Verstappen had "mentally accepted" that the weekend would be "really painful" from a driver's perspective amid concerns over battery deployment. His post-race cynicism about Red Bull supposedly having the fastest engine, as GPblog documented in our race coverage, only confirmed the disconnect.

Speaking at Monza, Verstappen pointed to the growing imbalance. "Our rivals are currently bringing their engine upgrades to the cars," he said. "We are surprised as a team and we see it very differently ourselves. We are currently still in talks with the FIA about next year. We will see what comes from that."

The final ADUO evaluation covers rounds 12 to 18 this season, but even a revised finding would not change the picture unless Red Bull's ICE somehow drops behind a rival's. Since ADUO tokens carry over into next season, a team locked out now stays locked out through 2027 too, meaning the consequences of being classified as the benchmark will shape Red Bull's competitive position well into next year.