Lewis Hamilton has admitted he was surprised by reports surrounding the FIA’s latest ADUO engine assessment, as Formula 1’s evolving power unit battle continues to generate debate across the paddock.
The Ferrari driver found himself at the centre of the discussion after comments made following the Monaco Grand Prix revealed details of the FIA’s preliminary ADUO evaluation before an official announcement had been released. Those remarks quickly became one of the most talked-about topics in Formula 1, particularly because they suggested that Red Bull Powertrains had emerged as the benchmark manufacturer in a crucial area of engine performance.
The revelation caught many observers off guard. While Mercedes has dominated the 2026 Formula 1 season on track, the ADUO process focuses specifically on internal combustion engine performance rather than the complete power unit package. As a result, the rankings do not necessarily mirror the competitive order seen on race weekends.
According to the information discussed in Monaco, Red Bull’s internal combustion engine has been identified as the current reference point, potentially making the Milton Keynes-based manufacturer ineligible for additional development concessions available to rival suppliers.
Lewis Hamilton impressed by Red Bull’s rapid progress
Speaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton acknowledged that the reported findings were unexpected, particularly given how closely matched the leading power unit manufacturers appear to be.
The seven-time world champion reportedly expressed admiration for the progress achieved by Red Bull Powertrains, noting that the company had accomplished something many within Formula 1 did not expect to see so quickly from a relatively new engine programme.
Lewis Hamilton suggested that the performance gap between Mercedes and Red Bull appeared extremely small and praised the engineering work carried out by both manufacturers. He also pointed out that personnel movements between rival projects are common in Formula 1 and hinted that the exchange of technical expertise may have contributed to Red Bull’s rapid development curve.
The Ferrari driver reportedly viewed the achievement as particularly impressive given the limited timeframe available to establish a competitive power unit operation capable of challenging long-established industry leaders.
Even so, Lewis Hamilton emphasized that Mercedes remains one of the strongest engine suppliers in Formula 1, suggesting that the difference between the two manufacturers is likely marginal.
Understanding the ADUO controversy
The debate surrounding ADUO has become increasingly complex because the system evaluates only one aspect of modern hybrid power units.
Unlike overall race performance, the FIA’s assessment reportedly isolates the internal combustion engine when determining eligibility for Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities. Electrical deployment, energy recovery systems and hybrid efficiency are not factored into the benchmark calculation. This distinction helps explain why Mercedes can dominate Grands Prix while still being considered behind another manufacturer in a specific technical category.
For Ferrari, the outcome is particularly important because the Scuderia is expected to benefit from additional development opportunities as it attempts to reduce its remaining power unit deficit. Upcoming ADUO upgrades are widely anticipated to play a major role in Ferrari’s plans for the second half of the season.
At the same time, Red Bull has reportedly questioned elements of the methodology, creating a political debate that is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Lewis Hamilton identifies Ferrari’s biggest weakness
While the engine discussion dominated headlines, Lewis Hamilton also offered insight into Ferrari’s current performance limitations.
Despite securing another podium in Monaco, the British driver acknowledged that Ferrari was unable to match the pace of Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes throughout the race.
Importantly, Lewis Hamilton did not believe engine performance was the primary reason for the gap. Instead, he pointed toward aerodynamic performance and overall downforce levels as the key differentiator between the two cars. Observing the Mercedes from close range during the Monaco Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton reportedly noticed how much earlier Kimi Antonelli could apply the throttle on corner exits and how much more rear stability the championship leader appeared to possess through slower sections.
Those characteristics, according to the Ferrari driver, highlighted a downforce advantage rather than a power advantage.
Why Ferrari still believes progress is possible
Although Ferrari remains behind Mercedes in overall performance, there are reasons for optimism inside Maranello.
The team has introduced a series of upgrades throughout the season and continues to develop the SF-26 aggressively. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have both praised the commitment shown by Ferrari’s engineers, particularly regarding innovation and the willingness to pursue unconventional solutions.
Barcelona represents another important step in that process, with Ferrari bringing further aerodynamic refinements alongside ongoing efforts to maximize future ADUO opportunities. For Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, the objective remains clear: close the gap to Mercedes while maintaining Ferrari’s position as the strongest challenger in the championship.
If the upcoming upgrades deliver the expected gains, the Scuderia could begin reducing the deficit that Lewis Hamilton currently attributes primarily to aerodynamic performance rather than outright engine power.
And if the FIA’s ADUO programme unfolds as anticipated, Ferrari may soon receive another opportunity to strengthen its challenge as one of Formula 1’s most fascinating technical battles continues to evolve.
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