F1's shock Red Bull/Mercedes engine ruling explained

F1's shock Red Bull/Mercedes engine ruling explained

From The Race F1 Podcast by The Race Media Ltd

June 10, 2026 · 1h 0m

About this episode

The episode discusses the surprising ruling that Red Bull has the best engine in F1, the implications for Mercedes and Ferrari, and addresses listener questions.

In the latest episode of The Race F1 Podcast, we discuss the news that Red Bull has been declared Formula 1's best engine under the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system, meaning that rivals Mercedes and Ferrari will both get engine upgrades during the 2026 season. Given the Mercedes power unit is considered the standard-setter and the Mercedes team has won every grand prix this year, the decision has understandably baffled a lot of people - so what exactly is going on? Edd Straw is joined by Mark Hughes and Scott Mitchell-Malm to unpick everything we know. Edd, Mark and Scott also discuss the driving style problems George Russell referenced in Monaco, and ask whether he could see an upturn in his fortunes in Barcelona this weekend. There's also a host of listener questions to answer, with topics ranging from whether McLaren have a power unit issue brewing to whether Alex Albon should leave Williams for pastures new. Get bonus F1 podcasts, extra content and ad-free listening, sign-up to The Race Members' Club on Patreon today . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Edd Straw

Guests: Mark Hughes, Scott Mitchell-Malm

Topics covered

  • F1 engine ruling
  • Red Bull
  • Mercedes
  • Ferrari
  • listener questions
  • driving style
  • 2026 season

Keywords

  • F1
  • engine upgrades
  • ADUO system
  • George Russell
  • Monaco
  • Barcelona
  • McLaren
  • Alex Albon
  • Williams

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Williams

Places: Monaco, Barcelona

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