The FIA has confirmed the results of the second Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) review period for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Red Bull-Ford Powertrains maintains its position as the benchmark for internal combustion engine (ICE) performance. This assessment covers the period from the Australian Grand Prix to the Hungarian Grand Prix.
As a result of the initial Period 1 analysis, Mercedes, Audi, Ferrari, and Honda will receive ADUO allocations. The governing body has now detailed the extent of these opportunities for each power unit manufacturer.
ADUO is a mechanism within the 2026 F1 Technical Regulations designed to encourage competitive balance among power unit manufacturers. It allows for updates to homologated power units under specific conditions.
The system operates by monitoring each manufacturer’s ICE performance across defined periods, creating an ‘ICE Performance Index’. This index considers factors such as engine speed, input shaft torque, MGU-K power, and power sensitivity on lap time.
A manufacturer’s ICE must be 2% or more behind the best-performing engine in the Performance Index to qualify for ADUO. The level of opportunity granted depends on the size of this performance gap.
For a deficit of at least 2% but less than 4%, a manufacturer is eligible for one additional homologation upgrade in the current season and one in the subsequent season. If the deficit is 4% or more, two additional homologations are permitted in both the current and following seasons.
Following the first review period, which concluded after the Canadian Grand Prix, Mercedes was determined to be in the 2-4% window. This grants them one additional homologation in 2026 and another in 2027.
Audi, Ferrari, and Honda were found to be more than 4% behind the leading ICE in Period 1. Consequently, these manufacturers are allowed two additional homologations in 2026 and two in 2027.
The second ADUO review period, which concluded after the Hungarian Grand Prix, did not result in any further homologations being granted to any power unit manufacturer. This indicates a potential tightening of performance margins during the early summer races.
It is important to note that the ADUO assessment focuses exclusively on the Internal Combustion Engine. It does not account for the full power unit performance, which includes the Energy Recovery System (ERS).
Manufacturers receiving ADUO also benefit from increased cost cap allowances and additional dyno testing hours. For a 2-4% deficit, an allowance of up to USD $3.0 million and 70 extra bench hours are provided.
Larger deficits receive greater allowances: 4-6% behind grants up to USD $4.65 million and 100 bench hours, while 6-8% behind provides up to USD $6.35 million and 150 hours. A deficit of 8-10% yields up to USD $8 million and 190 hours.
Red Bull-Ford Powertrains commenced its partnership with Ford in February 2023, focusing on the development of the 2026 power unit. This unit supplies both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls teams.
The 2026 Formula 1 power unit regulations feature a 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged ICE, with a near 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power. The MGU-H has been removed, and the units operate on 100% sustainable fuels.
Discussions since the opening races of the 2026 season have led to agreed changes for 2027 and 2028. These amendments aim to rebalance the ICE and ERS contribution, moving towards a 58/42 split in 2027 and 60/40 in 2028 in favour of the ICE.
The third ADUO review period for the current season will cover Races 12–18, spanning from the Dutch Grand Prix to the Mexican Grand Prix.
