FIA Confirms ADUO Support Levels for Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda and Audi
FIA publishes first ADUO findings
The FIA has released the results of the first two review periods for Formula 1’s Additional Development and Upgrades (ADUO) mechanism, confirming which power unit manufacturers will receive extra development allowances under the sport’s new technical regulations.
ADUO is a central feature of the ruleset, which is built around an almost equal split between combustion and electric power. The scheme is intended to help manufacturers operating within defined performance thresholds, supporting a closer field and reducing the risk of the major competitive gaps seen at the start of the first V6 hybrid era in 2014.
The first review period produced one notable result: Mercedes qualified for assistance despite being regarded as the fastest overall power unit manufacturer. Red Bull, meanwhile, did not meet the threshold, despite its new in-house engine programme developed with Ford and the team’s failure to win a Grand Prix with the power unit so far.
Ferrari joined Mercedes among the established manufacturers assessed, while returning strugglers Honda and new manufacturer Audi also qualified. The four manufacturers were subsequently granted additional dyno testing time and cost-cap allowances.
Mercedes receives a smaller allowance
The FIA determined that Mercedes fell within the 2–4% window. As a result, it will be permitted one additional homologation in 2026 and one in 2027, alongside corresponding increases to its cost-cap and dyno-testing allowances.
Audi, Ferrari and Honda were assessed as being above 4%. Each will therefore receive two additional homologations in 2026 and two in 2027, with matching increases to cost-cap and dyno-testing allowances.
The competitive significance of the decision is particularly clear for Honda, which has faced driveability difficulties with its Spec 2 power unit at Zandvoort, as reported in this recent Formula 1 update.
No further homologations in period two
The FIA confirmed that no additional homologations were granted to any power unit manufacturer during the second review period. It added that no further details on the performance index measurements would be communicated because of the confidential nature of the information.
Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s Single-Seater Director, said the governing body had completed a “thorough and exhaustive analysis” and was confident in the robustness of its findings. He added that ADUO was being used for the first time and could evolve through discussions with the manufacturers.
The third review period began at last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix and will run through the next seven rounds, concluding with the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.