Max Verstappen hopes the FIA see sense as they inspect Red Bull’s engine data

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The FIA are once again inspecting F1 engines to determine which manufacturers should receive assistance.

The season has been divided into three windows in this respect, with the first measurements taking place after the Miami GP in early May. Now, as the summer break begins, the engine pecking order will be reviewed.

Red Bull were deemed to have the best internal combustion engine in the opening races, to the surprise of many in the paddock. That meant they were denied access to ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities), while championship leaders Mercedes were given a helping hand.

Max Verstappen ‘would love to have some ADUO’ at Red Bull

Red Bull have challenged the FIA’s ruling and the dispute still hasn’t been resolved. There were even suggestions before the Hungarian Grand Prix that the matter could go to court.

As if to give Laurent Mekies further ammunition, Toto Wolff admitted Mercedes had the best engine after the Belgian GP, though it’s worth noting that the FIA don’t account for battery performance.

After finishing second in Budapest, Max Verstappen was asked about the ‘main priorities’ for Red Bull’s car in the second half of the season.

“We need to first find more overall performance,” he said. “Then we need to fix our problems, where we sometimes just lose performance over a weekend, or even from the start of the race to the end. That is also actually a big priority.

“Then you mentioned the engine. Well, I would love to have some ADUO as well.

When race winner Lando Norris commented that Red Bull have the ‘most power’, Verstappen replied: “Yeah, somehow. But that’s… I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll have another look after the break.”

As far as Verstappen is concerned, it’s time the FIA see sense and recognise that Mercedes, whose engines have won nine of the first 11 Grands Prix and taken every pole position, are the benchmark.

Red Bull Powertrains are making their debut this year and never expected to be ranked so highly. There’s a theory that Mercedes were gaming the system by turning down their engine before the Miami measurements, but this hasn’t been proven.