Thursday in Barcelona saw a cascade of headlines as drivers reacted to the FIA's multi‑step engine rule change for 2027‑28 and the surprising ADUO decision that bars Red Bull Ford from extra upgrades. Sergio Perez dismissed the power‑unit tweaks as unlikely to alter the cars dramatically, while Max Verstappen praised the direction of the changes but noted the politics behind them. Esteban Ocon summed up the consensus, saying the current engine package is the best that can be done given existing development.
The ADUO outcome left Red Bull seeking clarification, with Verstappen calling the "best engine" label confusing because the team does not feel it reflects reality. Meanwhile, 19‑year‑old Kimi Antonelli earned high praise from Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for his rapid progress, reinforcing his status as a standout rookie.
Aston Martin chief Mike Krack warned that Barcelona will be a reality check for pace, urging the team to shield drivers from excessive criticism after Fernando Alonso’s Monaco point. George Russell shifted focus to tyre pressures, describing this year’s Pirelli rubber as the highest‑pressure tyres ever run, and vowed to rely on instinct rather than data. Pierre Gasly clarified his emotional podium celebration in Monaco, emphasizing it was a personal moment despite knowing he had lost the result.
Teams will now fine‑tune setups for the energy‑poor circuit, while eyes remain on the FIA’s clarification of the ADUO criteria and how drivers adapt to the new tyre dynamics.
