Overview
- The FIA has launched a formal review of the torque and power sensors and underlying data used in the first ADUO classification after Red Bull and Max Verstappen expressed surprise over the result.
- The published ADUO outcome put Red Bull top on the combustion-engine (ICE) ranking, which makes Red Bull ineligible for additional development tokens while Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi and Honda qualify for upgrades.
- ADUO is based solely on measured ICE output from on-car sensors and track data, yet the rulebook allows upgrades to many parts including the turbo, exhaust, ERS, MGU‑K, electronics and cooling systems, creating a diagnosis-versus-remedy mismatch.
- Teams warned the non-cumulative, single-season nature of ADUO tokens opens tactical choices such as delaying or targeting upgrades to influence future rankings and on-track gaps.
- FIA director Nikolas Tombazis said the simpler ICE metric was a deliberate choice after long debate, with team bosses split between defending the data-driven intent and arguing the method fails to capture design trade-offs like Ferrari’s smaller turbo.