Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has endorsed the FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system following an unexpected outcome that placed Red Bull at the top of the power unit rankings.
The surprising ADUO results, first shared with teams in Monaco, showed Red Bull-Ford Powertrains as the benchmark manufacturer. This means Red Bull is the only team not eligible for extra development tokens.
Red Bull has requested a review of the data and sensors by the FIA, with public confirmation still pending. Wolff addressed the outcome in Barcelona, stressing that the system operates purely on measured data with no political influence.
Wolff said the mechanism was intended to prevent any single manufacturer from gaining an overwhelming advantage, as occurred in 2014. He noted it protects newcomers including Audi, Honda and Red Bull itself.
The Mercedes boss also defended the decision to base rankings solely on internal combustion engine power rather than additional factors such as turbo size.
