Red Bull Gets Second Chance at Power Unit Upgrade

Red Bull has the fate of its engine hanging in the balance, at least when it comes to making improvements this season.

During the last Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) check at the start of the season, Red Bull was found to have the strongest power unit.

There was a full-on bench test, where Red Bull was deemed more than 2% ahead of every other manufacturer, meaning no extra development time, spending, or ability to introduce a new power unit upgrade.

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS – AUGUST 22: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (3) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB22 Red Bull Ford Powertrains on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on August 22, 2026 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Simon Galloway/LAT Images) // Getty Images

Red Bull fought the assessment directly with the FIA, but in the end, FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis and the regulatory body found it a valid conclusion.

"Our measurement, in my opinion, has proven to be very accurate," he said.

"With that said, has everything worked fine? No, because obviously people are not happy and so on. So do we need to think about improvements in the future? Yes, I would say so."

Now, before the Italian Grand Prix, there will be a second ADUO review that could give Red Bull a second chance to get extra development support.

At this point, Red Bull is at best the third-fastest car at most tracks, but usually the fourth- or third-fastest.

An engine upgrade could be what takes their car into race-winning contention.

Max Verstappen | Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool

However, Tombazis is not convinced these upgrades are worthwhile or impactful in the grand scheme of things.

"I don't think it would be convenient for you to always be below, just to sort of keep getting more opportunities," he said. "What's the point of opportunities if it isn't ultimately for you to be on top?

"I think the system is working as it was designed. I do think there are some weaknesses that we need to address in the future, for sure, to make it less time-consuming, less controversial. We do need to make some steps to improve it in the future."

Red Bull, while doing a ton of aerodynamic work, begs to differ and will fight for a power unit development opportunity and a chance to challenge the class-leading Mercedes car.