Red Bull wins two races in a row

Red Bull Racing has won two consecutive Formula 1 Grand Prix races, with Max Verstappen securing victories in Malaysia and Singapore, showing the team's improved performance in both aerodynamics and power unit efficiency.

Technical director assesses engine maturity

Pierre Waché, Red Bull Racing's technical director, stated that while the team's internal combustion engine is currently the best according to FIA evaluations, it is only at about four or five out of ten in terms of maturity, indicating significant potential for further development.

ADUO program highlights Red Bull's engine strength

The ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) program, introduced with the 2026 regulations, aims to reduce performance gaps between engine manufacturers. The first two evaluations under this program have identified Red Bull as having the most powerful internal combustion engine in the sport.

ADUO criteria focus on combustion, not electrical systems

The current ADUO evaluation system focuses on the power of the internal combustion engine but does not directly consider the performance of the battery or the management of electrical energy deployment. Red Bull argues that these factors are essential for the overall competitiveness of modern power units.

Red Bull's engine development faces challenges

Waché noted that integrating chassis and power unit development within the same team is complex. The differing working methods and development cycles between engine and chassis teams require time to align and optimize effectively.

Red Bull sees strategic benefits in engine control

Despite the challenges, Waché emphasized that having direct control over engine development provides a significant strategic advantage. He believes the team has many unexplored capacities and possibilities, especially as discussions continue about the future balance between thermal and electrical power in the 2027 season.

Red Bull's engine potential exceeds current evaluations

According to Waché, the team's internal combustion engine, which is currently considered the best under the ADUO framework, has only reached about half of its potential, highlighting the vast room for further progress and development.