Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has refuted speculation that his team possesses the most powerful engine in Formula 1, and as a result, he anticipates that they will be given the chance to improve it during an upcoming engine upgrade window. The new power-unit regulations for the 2026 season include a performance-balancing measure called Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO), which will allow manufacturers that are trailing the leading manufacturer by two per cent or more to develop their models. The first window for upgrades was initially scheduled to take place after the Miami Grand Prix, but it may be postponed due to the cancellation of two of the first six rounds. Despite Mercedes' dominance in the opening three rounds, there had been speculation that Red Bull actually has the strongest internal combustion engine.

However, Mekies told Sky Sports News that their engine is 'absolutely not' at the level of the best and expressed hope that they will be given the opportunity to catch up. Mekies agreed with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff that ADUO should enable manufacturers to 'catch up' rather than 'leapfrog' their rivals. The regulations stipulate three periods of ADUO during the season, with those deemed to be at least two per cent behind the manufacturer with the best-performing internal combustion engine being awarded development opportunities. Mekies estimated that Mercedes has a significant advantage over Red Bull, which he believes is largely due to their internal combustion engine.

Red Bull's poor start to the season has raised doubts about whether four-time world champion Max Verstappen will remain with the team beyond the end of the year. Nevertheless, Mekies is optimistic that upcoming upgrades will provide a platform for Verstappen to push forward the car's development and lift his spirits. Mekies stated that Verstappen is 'fully committed' to the team and is helping to develop a faster car. With a step forward in regulations coming for the Miami Grand Prix, Mekies is confident that the team will be able to give Verstappen a car he can consistently push with, which will allow him to bring his 'Max effect' and build development onto the car.