The FIA has again judged Red Bull to have Formula 1’s most powerful internal-combustion engine, leaving the team ineligible for extra development allowances under the new regulations. This matters because the scheme is intended to help manufacturers with weaker engines close the gap, although Red Bull have yet to win a race this season while Mercedes have won eight of 12.

The assessment is conducted every six races and covers only the combustion-engine element, not the electrical systems that account for nearly half of total power-unit performance. Mercedes were found to be within 2-4% of the benchmark and can make one additional upgrade in each of 2026 and 2027; Audi, Ferrari and Honda were judged more than 4% behind and may make two, while Red Bull receive none.