Sainz backs FIA in Red Bull engine dispute

Carlos Sainz has sided with the FIA in the growing dispute over the controversial ADUO engine equalisation system.

Red Bull has been pushing back against the governing body’s assessment that its Red Bull-Ford power unit is currently the benchmark in Formula 1, a designation that limits its ability to make performance gains while all other rivals are permitted upgrades.

Team boss Laurent Mekies recently insisted Red Bull sees "not one single data sample" indicating an engine advantage over competitors.

Sainz, however, disagrees.

"I know it surprised a lot of people, but not me," the Williams driver said.

"You know I like to delve into the data and look at everything very carefully."

The Spaniard said he first became convinced during pre-season testing in Bahrain. "From the first test in Bahrain, honestly, Red Bull surprised me a lot.

"Red Bull and Racing Bulls."

According to Sainz, subsequent race weekends reinforced that impression.

"There have been races where the Red Bull engine was clearly the best," he said. "In Canada, when it’s cold, or even in Monaco, the top speeds were the highest."

For Sainz, the fact that the performance was visible across both Red Bull-owned teams means "it’s no longer a coincidence."

The comments are significant given that Sainz drives a Mercedes-powered Williams and has built a reputation as one of Formula 1’s most technically-minded drivers.

Red Bull’s behind-the-scenes dispute with the FIA remains unresolved for now.