Surprise in Formula 1. Although Mercedes has won the first six races of the season, FIA criteria have not classified it as having the best engine. In fact, Mercedes will enter the ADUO and receive aid to improve because they are behind by a 2% deficit compared to the best, which the FIA identifies as Red Bull-Ford.
The British outlet The Race has leaked the results of the engine evaluation conducted by the FIA. Not only is Red Bull the best by their criteria, but Mercedes will receive extra help to close its gap. Moreover, at various ranges, Ferrari, Audi, and Honda will also receive an extra boost from the FIA.
Honda will receive 230 hours of testing and 11 million dollars in aid
Mercedes has won the first six races of the season and is ruling Formula 1 with an iron fist, but according to the FIA it does not have the best engine. That is the result of the federation’s scrutiny of all teams before deciding who will receive the ADUO aids starting from the upcoming race.
According to the FIA, Red Bull-Ford has the best engine in Formula 1, while Mercedes sits at a 2% deficit. This means that from now on the world leaders will also have a small edge to further develop their power unit. Specifically, 70 extra hours on the test bench and an additional $3 million within the budget cap.
It should be noted that the FIA only measures the internal combustion engine of Formula 1 cars, which account for a little over half of the power unit. On the electric side, the federation does not get involved, so these results and these advantages relate only to the combustion portion, ignoring any differences that may exist in the other half.
As for Honda, as expected the Aston Martin power unit supplier sits in the highest deficit range relative to the best. Honda is positioned more than 10% behind, which means it will be granted 230 extra hours of testing on the bench and an additional $11 million in the budget, though it will have to repay it.
Of course, Ferrari and Audi will also receive ADUO aid. In Ferrari’s case, its deficit is estimated to be above 4% but below 6%, so they will be granted $4.65 million and 100 hours of work. Since Audi sits above 6%, they will receive $6.35 million and 150 extra hours on the test bench.
If Mercedes has already been very dominant in the opening stretch of the season, it’s scary to imagine what they could do now with even more of an advantage.
Images | Mercedes
