Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has denied speculation his team possesses Formula 1's best performing power unit, insisting they should be granted permission to improve through the ADUO system. The team currently sits sixth in standings, 119 points behind Mercedes after three rounds.

Mekies estimates Mercedes holds a three-tenths per lap advantage, primarily from their internal combustion engine. The first ADUO upgrade window, originally scheduled after Miami, may face delays due to cancelled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Only teams trailing the leading manufacturer by two percent or more qualify for development opportunities.

Red Bull faces challenges with driver Max Verstappen expressing frustration over 2026 regulations. Mekies remains optimistic upcoming car improvements will restore Verstappen's confidence, acknowledging they provided their drivers with a very difficult car in the opening races.