WHAT'S AT STAKE FOR RED BULL AS ENGINE DECISION APPROACHES

Red Bull's engine upgrade fate hangs on an FIA decision due before Monza. The governing body will announce findings from the second ADUO measurement period covering Monaco through Hungary. If Red Bull's power unit is deemed more than 2% behind any rival, the team gets upgrade opportunities before year-end. If it's still ahead or within 2%, the door stays locked.

The first ADUO period already deemed Red Bull the benchmark—more than 2% ahead of everyone—blocking in-season development. Red Bull protested and lost. This second window is their best shot, with only one final measurement remaining (Zandvoort to Austin).

The controversy: Mercedes is widely considered to have the best overall power unit, but ADUO only measures the ICE component, where Red Bull excels. The FIA admits the system needs work, but Red Bull's engineering strength has become its regulatory trap. If the ruling goes against them again, they're frozen until 2027.