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FIA confirms no change to F1’s final 2026 ADUO allowances
The FIA’s final 2026 ADUO review leaves every power-unit manufacturer’s upgrade allowance unchanged, with the next assessment due in 2027.
Formula 1 power-unit manufacturers will end the 2026 season with their existing Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) allowances unchanged, after the FIA published its final review of the year’s engine performance data.
The third assessment covered data from the Dutch Grand Prix through the United States Grand Prix. While relative gaps to the leading internal combustion engine shifted, the FIA said those movements were not enough to award any manufacturer further homologations. The summer review also left allowances untouched.
Existing upgrade allocations remain in place
The ADUO system gives manufacturers that trail the benchmark engine opportunities to develop their power units. The FIA measures performance gaps using the internal combustion engine, although a manufacturer that qualifies for concessions can also make changes to electrical components, including the battery and MGU-K.
Red Bull Ford Powertrains was identified as the benchmark after the first review period. Mercedes was placed between 2% and 4% behind on ICE performance, earning one additional upgrade for 2026 and another for 2027. Ferrari, Audi and Honda were assessed as more than 4% behind, giving each two upgrades during the current campaign and two more next year.
Those allocations stand following the final review. That leaves Red Bull’s power-unit operation without the concessions available to its rivals, which have been able to introduce upgrades during the season. Mercedes’ upgrade timing has also been a focus, including its decision to delay an ADUO engine update beyond Austin.
FIA signals possible changes to the system
Red Bull Ford Powertrains had challenged the initial assessment, disputing both the analysis and its position as the leading manufacturer. The FIA is open to refining how ADUO works in future, subject to agreement from the power-unit manufacturers.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said the organisation was confident in the data and assessment process, and that the first season had strengthened its view that ADUO was the right concept for Formula 1. He added that the FIA was working with manufacturers and teams on potential changes to keep the system effective in future seasons.
The next review period begins in 2027, covering the season’s opening six races from the Bahrain Grand Prix to the Miami Grand Prix. Red Bull has also been open to discussions about the ADUO rules, as debate over the framework continues.