MONZA — After the race weekend in Zandvoort, the FIA finally publicly confirmed its Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities verdict, awarding a token to every manufacturer except Red Bull Ford Powertrains. The decision, based on the first measurement period, placed the Milton Keynes newcomer at the top of the assessment and left it as the sole manufacturer without additional development leeway.
The public confirmation followed months of paddock knowledge, with the outcome already widely understood since the Monaco weekend. Under the ADUO system, tokens grant manufacturers extra development and upgrade opportunities, and the FIA's first measurement period determined the initial allocation. Every manufacturer received one except Red Bull Ford Powertrains, which was ranked highest in the opening evaluation.
Attention then turned to Monza, where the on-track picture offered further context around the FIA's surprising verdict. Max Verstappen responded to the ADUO outcome as the newcomer continued to be measured against its rivals, with the Monza weekend providing a clearer read on the competitive order following the governing body's announcement.