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Mercedes and Ferrari have been accused of deliberately reducing internal combustion engine performance in the early phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season in order to benefit from ADUO support.
The claim adds another layer of controversy to a ruling that has already caused unease across the paddock. Mercedes have dominated the campaign so far, winning every race and building a 79-point constructorsâ championship lead over Ferrari. On competitive form alone, many expected the Brackley team to be excluded from any additional upgrade assistance.
That expectation was reinforced by Naomi Schiffâs view that the FIA risked undermining Mercedesâ hard work by giving their rivals extra development scope. Instead, the first ADUO ruling has awarded support to Mercedes, while Red Bull were identified as having the strongest engine under the measurement used.
For further context on the wider reaction to the decision, read our report on how the FIA is reviewing its ADUO findings after Red Bullâs engine ranking surprise.
The confusion stems from what ADUO actually measures. According to the source material, the mechanism is based on internal combustion engine power, rather than the total output of the complete power unit.
That distinction is crucial. Red Bull may therefore lead the ICE-specific ranking, while Mercedes are understood to offset that deficit through electrical power. Lewis Hamilton leaked the ADUO ruling at the Monaco GP, triggering a significant paddock reaction, particularly because Red Bull have been struggling with the RB22 while Mercedes have set the competitive standard.
Speaking on The Race F1 Podcast, journalist Mark Hughes suggested the outcome may not reflect the full competitive picture. He said the situation remains opaque, with everyone working from only part of the available information.
Hughes argued: "If I had to be betting my house on what has really resulted in this outcome, I would say probably both Mercedes and Ferrari have been deliberately not having the optimum internal combustion engine performance for those first few races up to Canada."
He added that this may have led to Red Bull appearing strongest under the FIAâs measurement, with Mercedes said to be 2% behind and Ferrari 4% behind.
Hughes also noted that Red Bullâs power unit may still deliver the best spread of power when operating properly, even if its drivability is not considered strong. His conclusion was blunt: "My guess would be that thereâs been some gaming has gone on at both Mercedes and Ferrari."
If accurate, the accusation would intensify debate over whether ADUO is rewarding genuine deficit or strategic presentation.
Heâs 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.
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