FIA review keeps Red Bull atop F1 combustion-engine rankings

Red Bull has retained the top position in the FIA’s latest assessment of Formula 1 internal combustion engine power, leaving the manufacturer ineligible for additional development upgrades. BBC Sport reported that the governing body issued its second set of findings on Wednesday, following the Dutch Grand Prix and the 12th race of the season.

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The result repeats the conclusion of the first review three months ago. The process, known as the additional development and upgrade opportunities programme, was introduced alongside Formula 1’s new hybrid engine regulations. It is designed to give manufacturers whose engines are judged to have a power deficit extra opportunities to close the gap.

The review is conducted every six races and measures only the internal combustion component of each power unit. Its findings therefore do not amount to a ranking of complete engine performance. The electrical elements, which account for nearly half of total power-unit performance, are excluded from the calculation. BBC Sport noted that Mercedes is widely considered to have the strongest overall package despite Red Bull leading the measured category.

According to the FIA statement reported by the BBC, Mercedes was placed in the band between 2% and 4% behind the leading internal combustion engine. Audi, Ferrari and Honda were each assessed as being more than 4% behind. Mercedes is consequently permitted one additional upgrade in 2026 and another in 2027, while the other three manufacturers can make two. Red Bull receives no extra opportunity under the mechanism.

The findings come amid a clear difference in race results. Mercedes has won eight of the opening 12 grands prix of the season, while Red Bull has yet to win. Red Bull established a new engine design and manufacturing operation to produce its power unit for the regulations introduced this year.

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said the governing body had carried out a thorough analysis and had a high level of confidence in the data. He also said the FIA must protect the teams’ and manufacturers’ confidential information when releasing its conclusions. As this is the first season of the programme, Tombazis indicated that elements of the system could be revised in consultation with the power-unit manufacturers.