F1 ADUO 2026: no changes, Red Bull gets no engine upgrade

The FIA has announced the results of the third and final ADUO analysis period of the 2026 Formula 1 season: the performance gaps evolved, but they did not result in any additional homologations for the power unit manufacturers. Red Bull therefore remains the only manufacturer unable to improve its engine through the system.

What does ADUO measure?

ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) is a mechanism in the 2026 technical regulations. It allows manufacturers whose combustion engine is at least 2% below the best to homologate additional upgrades, together with increases to the cost cap and dyno testing. The level is calculated over three periods each season. The third, covering races 12 to 18 (from the Dutch Grand Prix to the United States Grand Prix), has just been communicated to the manufacturers.

Each manufacturer's entitlement

The first-period results still stand:

• Mercedes, in the 2-4% window, is allowed one additional homologation in 2026 and one in 2027;
• Audi, Ferrari and Honda, more than 4% behind, are allowed two additional homologations in 2026 and two in 2027;
• the second period had already granted no further homologations.

The FIA will not communicate any details of the performance measurements, as the information is confidential.

Red Bull, the benchmark with no room to develop

According to F1i, Red Bull Ford Powertrains is the reference and had challenged the original assessment. The manufacturer therefore remains without the development freedoms its rivals enjoy. According to The Race, Ferrari and Honda have already used both of their permitted 2026 upgrades, while Audi is understood to be saving its next one for 2027.

Towards a revised system in 2027

The FIA's single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis, says he is confident in the quality of the data and the robustness of the process. He believes the first year confirms the ADUO concept, while saying the system must evolve and that refinements to the methodology are being explored with manufacturers and teams. Any change will require the manufacturers' agreement. The next review period starts in 2027 and covers races 1 to 6, from Bahrain to Miami.

The editorial team