FIA confirms no ADUO changes after final 2026 F1 engine review

The FIA has announced its final Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) results for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with no changes granted for any of the power unit manufacturers.

Why it matters

The FIA introduced the ADUO mechanism this season to allow power unit manufacturers to make updates if they fell behind the leading engine, using tokens permitted under a performance scale.

After the first period, which ran from the Australian Grand Prix to the Canadian GP, Red Bull Ford Powertrains emerged as the benchmark. Mercedes’ internal combustion engine trails by between 2-4%, granting the German manufacturer one additional upgrade this year and one more next season.

Ferrari, Audi and Honda fell into the category of being more than 4% behind on ICE power, which grants them two upgrades during the current campaign and two more in 2027.

What happened

Red Bull Ford Powertrains asked for a review of the ADUO analysis, which delayed the official publication of the first results, as it disputed being considered the manufacturer with the strongest engine.

As agreed before the start of the season by the teams, the FIA only measures the internal combustion engine, but once a manufacturer qualifies for ADUO, it is also allowed to modify electrical components such as the battery and MGU-K.

While Red Bull’s rivals have been able to install power unit upgrades across this season, the Milton Keynes-based effort has effectively faced an engine freeze.

What happens next

The third and final FIA analysis of ADUO took engine data from the Dutch GP up to and including the US GP. There was no change in that period, and there was also no change in the second ADUO period over the summer.

An FIA report stated that for the third period, the relative performance gaps to the leading ICE evolved, but these changes did not result in any additional homologations being granted to the Power Unit Manufacturers.

What the FIA said

Given the dispute over how ADUO is measured, the FIA is open to changes in the system in the future, subject to approval from the power unit manufacturers.

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said the FIA has undertaken extensive analysis as part of the review of ADUO this year and is confident in its findings and conclusions based on the quality of the data and the robustness of the assessment process.

Tombazis added that the first year of implementation reinforced the FIA’s belief that the ADUO concept is the right one for Formula 1, but it is important that the system continues to evolve to ensure it remains efficient, relevant and fit for purpose.

ADUO upgrade allowances by manufacturer after the first period

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Sources

• Autosport

• Motorsport.com

• Photo: Nolde, Pixabay Content License (Pixabay)