Verstappen seeks answers after Red Bull ADUO benchmark revelation from FIA

Although the Red Bull Power Train Project lacks the 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. While the result highlights the impressive work being carried out in Milton Keynes, it also leaves rivals room for hope, as Red Bull is currently unable to make changes to its power unit, unlike the other engine manufacturers.

Despite Red Bull's benchmark ADUO status, Verstappen is 113 points behind championship leader Antonelli, following the Dutchman's retirement after the opening lap of the Monaco Grand Prix. Speaking ahead of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, the four-time world champion said his team are talking to the FIA to discover how they reached their ADUO rankings conclusion.

Speaking to GPBlog and other media representatives on Thursday, Verstappen said he was surprised by Red Bull's ADUO status, but felt like F1 power unit regulations are moving in the right direction after changes were confirmed for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The 53/47 power split in 2026 between the ICE and the battery will increase to 58/42 in favour of the first by next year, and will further increase to 60/40 for the 2028 campaign.

Verstappen described Red Bull's ADUO status as a "double-edged sword", with people from the outside describing his team as the best, but inside they are surprised as they "don't feel like the best". "We know we’re definitely not the worst out there, and what the team has built in such a short time frame is super impressive, of course. We still have some reliability things we need to sort out, but overall… honestly, it’s nice to be part of it and to see the drive from everyone here.