Red Bull's ADUO benchmark status came as no surprise for Honda

Although the RBPT project only got underway this year and therefore lacked the previous experience enjoyed by established manufacturers such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda, the Ford-backed programme emerged as the most competitive on the internal combustion side. The result highlights the impressive work carried out in Milton Keynes, but also leaves rivals with room for optimism, as Red Bull is currently unable to make changes to its power unit, unlike the other engine manufacturers.

While Red Bull appears to have established itself as the benchmark in terms of ICE performance, Mercedes is understood to be the closest challenger, trailing by around 2%. Ferrari is believed to sit roughly 4% behind the benchmark, placing the Italian manufacturer in a position to benefit from additional development opportunities. Audi is thought to occupy the next tier, with estimates suggesting a deficit of between 4% and 6%, while Honda reportedly faces the biggest challenge, with sources indicating it is currently between 6% and 8% adrift of Red Bull's package.

Speaking to GPBlog among other media in Barcelona, Orihara said Honda's own expectations were broadly in line with the FIA's assessment, praising the work carried out by RBPT and expressing respect for what the company had managed to achieve: "Our expectation and FIA are kind of similar. I think RBPT did a great job. I respect what they have done. And the number we received from FIA is quite fair for us."

The Japanese later downplayed the significance of the ADUO assessment, insisting that Honda already has a clear understanding of where performance is lacking. He explained that the manufacturer knows exactly which areas require improvement and already has a broader plan in place to close the gaps, with its focus remaining firmly on its own development work.

Mike Krack then stepped into the discussion, stressing that Aston Martin and Honda are maintaining strong communication throughout the development process. He explained that both sides are fully aware of the areas that still need improvement and are being transparent with each other about their current progress, development targets and overall objectives.

Summing up his Monaco Grand Prix, Alonso described the race as an extremely demanding challenge, pointing to the Aston Martin's unpredictable handling and the constant risk of making a costly mistake around the streets of Monte Carlo. Starting near the back and committing to an early pit stop strategy only added to the difficulty, forcing him to manage ageing tyres for almost the entire race distance while wrestling with a car he felt was already operating on a knife edge.

The Spaniard also explained that the conditions around the circuit gradually deteriorated as the race progressed. Debris and tyre marbles increasingly covered the racing line in several areas, creating a situation that made incidents almost inevitable. In his view, it was therefore no surprise to see multiple drivers caught out, including teammate Lance Stroll, who retired after crashing at Turn 19.

Despite eventually finishing in the points, Alonso saw little reason for optimism. The two-time world champion argued that Monaco merely exposed another weakness in Aston Martin's package, adding to a growing list of shortcomings identified throughout the season. While previous races had highlighted issues related to power unit performance, energy deployment and other aspects of the car, Alonso felt the Principality laid bare the team's limitations from a chassis perspective, leaving Aston Martin with yet another area requiring significant improvement.