The FIA has revealed 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. The regulatory mechanism introduced this season allows power unit manufacturers to implement updates via a token system if their performance falls behind the leading engine.
Initial Review and Manufacturer Standings
Following the first review period covering the Australian Grand Prix through the Canadian Grand Prix, Red Bull Ford Powertrains was established as the performance benchmark. Meanwhile, testing showed that Mercedes’ internal combustion engine lagged by 2% to 4%, granting the German manufacturer one additional upgrade for this year and another for next season. Ferrari, Audi, and Honda recorded deficits exceeding 4% in internal combustion engine power, qualifying them for two upgrades during the current campaign and two more in 2027.
According to Motorsport.com, Red Bull Ford Powertrains requested a review of the initial ADUO analysis and disputed its designation as the benchmark manufacturer, which delayed the official publication of those results. Under pre-season agreements among teams, measurements focus strictly on the internal combustion engine, though manufacturers qualifying for ADUO may also modify electrical components including the battery and the MGU-K. This dynamic left Red Bull facing an engine freeze while competitors deployed power unit upgrades throughout the season.
Final Analysis and Future Outlook
The second review period over the summer brought no adjustments, and the third and final FIA analysis—utilizing engine data collected from the Dutch Grand Prix through the United States Grand Prix—similarly resulted in no changes to manufacturer concessions.
“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,” an FIA report stated.
While acknowledging potential adjustments to the measurement system in the future subject to manufacturer approval, FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis expressed satisfaction with the current framework, as reported by Motorsport.com.
“The FIA has undertaken extensive analysis as part of the review of ADUO this year. Based on the quality of the data and the robustness of the assessment process, we are confident in our findings and the conclusions reached,” Tombazis stated, as noted by Motorsport.com. “The first year of implementation has also reinforced our belief that the ADUO concept is the right one for Formula 1.”
“However, it is important that the system continues to evolve to ensure it remains efficient, relevant and fit for purpose. To that end, we have been working closely with the power unit manufacturers and teams to explore refinements to the methodology that will support the continued effectiveness of ADUO in future seasons,” Tombazis added.
The next ADUO evaluation period will commence in 2027, spanning the opening six races of the Formula 1 season from the Bahrain Grand Prix to the Miami Grand Prix.
