Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA single-seater director, has conceded that improvements are likely required for the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system. This admission follows Red Bull’s unexpected designation as the team with the best internal combustion engine (ICE) at the initial checkpoint of the 2026 Formula 1 season, prompting discussions and data exchange with the governing body.
The ADUO concept, newly introduced for the 2026 F1 season, functions as a performance-balancing mechanism. Its design aims to provide manufacturers falling behind in the new power unit generation with opportunities to catch up. This is achieved by allocating engine upgrade allowances to eligible manufacturers after scheduled checkpoints.
Crucially, the ADUO system focuses exclusively on the internal combustion engine, not the power unit as a whole. In the 2026 regulations, ICE power accounts for approximately half of the total output, with electrical energy comprising the remainder. Manufacturers whose ICE performance is measured at 2% or more behind the benchmark engine become eligible for these upgrade opportunities.
Red Bull Powertrains, in collaboration with Ford, developed their first F1 power unit for the 2026 season. The FIA’s assessment at the first ADUO checkpoint deemed Red Bull’s ICE to be the strongest, a finding that reportedly caught the team off-guard. This benchmark status means Red Bull will not be afforded any homologation upgrade opportunities, unlike other manufacturers who qualified for at least one.
Further discussion arose when Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff suggested to Sky F1 that Mercedes possesses the ‘most powerful power unit’ on the 2026 grid. This statement highlighted the differing perspectives on overall power unit performance versus the ADUO system’s specific focus on the ICE component.
Despite the calls for system adjustments, Tombazis defended the validity of the FIA’s measurements at checkpoint one. He stated, ‘I think our measurement, in my opinion, has proven to be very accurate.’ However, he acknowledged that the system did not operate flawlessly due to dissatisfaction among stakeholders.
Tombazis noted the sensitive nature of F1, where achieving near-unanimous agreement among teams and power unit manufacturers is ‘very rare.’ He indicated that ADUO tweaks are forthcoming, aiming to make the system ‘less time-consuming and less controversial’ in the future.
Paddock speculation suggested some manufacturers, including Ferrari and Mercedes, might have intentionally held back performance in early races to secure ADUO tokens. Tombazis, however, dismissed the notion that teams would deliberately remain below maximum power to continuously receive development opportunities.
Following a podium finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen made a sarcastic comment regarding the engine situation. When asked about priorities for improving the RB22, Verstappen stated, ‘I would love to have some ADUO as well. Yeah, somehow.’
The ADUO mechanism also functions as a cost cap relief system. It allows power unit manufacturers meeting the criteria to make downward adjustments to their cost cap spending, providing financial flexibility for engine development.
