The dispute over power units has returned to the spotlight in Formula 1 after Toto Wolff stated that Mercedes currently has the most powerful engine on the grid. The statement reignites the debate about the ADUO, a system created by the FIA to monitor manufacturers’ performance and determine who can receive development concessions.
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The topic gained traction because, when the ADUO was introduced, Red Bull-Ford Powertrains appeared as the benchmark among internal combustion engines, ahead of Mercedes. Now, after the Belgian GP, the Austrian executive indicated that the scenario has changed, although he acknowledged that a problem affected all cars equipped with Mercedes engines at Spa, especially harming George Russell.
“We had a problem in all Mercedes engines, there was a lack of power on the straights and that hurt him [George Russell] a lot. The fault is 100% ours. We are giving our best as a team, we have the most powerful power unit, we have a strong car capable of winning. Everyone gives their maximum to minimize errors and, even so, this happens because we are human,” he told Sky Sports.
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Asked about the rival’s statement, Red Bull chief Laurent Mekies agreed with the assessment. “Toto is right. I also think they have the most powerful power unit. And, certainly, they had a considerable advantage on the straights again,” he said.
The first ADUO evaluation cycle pointed to Red Bull-Ford as the benchmark among internal combustion engines, with Mercedes between 2% and 4% behind, while Ferrari, Audi, and Honda showed a difference greater than 4%. The second monitoring period began at the Monaco GP and will end at the Hungarian GP. Although the results should be released up to two weeks after the end of this phase, the report from the first cycle has not yet been officially published due to the investigation involving Red Bull. As a result, the paddock expects the FIA to clarify the scenario after the Hungarian round and confirm if there has been a change in the performance order among manufacturers, a factor that could determine which brands will have the right to the update opportunities provided by the ADUO.
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