The FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system has positioned Red Bull Ford’s power unit as the benchmark in Formula 1 for the 2026 season. This designation means Red Bull Ford will not receive engine upgrade allowances.
Conversely, Honda, now partnered with Aston Martin, along with Mercedes, Ferrari, and Audi, have been granted additional development opportunities. These provisions aim to close performance gaps among engine manufacturers.
The ADUO system was introduced with the 2026 power unit regulations to provide a catch-up mechanism for manufacturers lagging in performance. It measures the relative performance of internal combustion engines.
Manufacturers deemed significantly behind receive benefits including additional homologated engine upgrades, increased cost cap ceilings, and extra dyno time. This system prevents unrestricted engine development while allowing for parity.
Following the initial six races of the season, the FIA’s first assessment found Red Bull Ford to possess the benchmark internal combustion engine. Mercedes was determined to be more than two percent off this benchmark.
Ferrari, Audi, and Honda were all assessed as being more than four percent behind Red Bull Ford’s performance. Consequently, Mercedes received single upgrades for both 2026 and 2027.
Ferrari, Audi, and Honda were each granted two additional homologations for 2026 and another two for 2027. The second assessment period, conducted between the Monaco and Dutch Grands Prix, resulted in no further upgrade opportunities being issued.
Red Bull Powertrains continues into the second half of the season as the sole manufacturer without an upgrade opportunity. This situation effectively sidelines Red Bull from further in-season engine development under the ADUO framework.
Honda’s power unit, currently utilized by Aston Martin, is widely considered the weakest on the grid. It has also demonstrated significant reliability issues throughout the current season.
Honda chief engineer Shintaro Orihara acknowledged room for improvement in the driveability of their upgraded engine. Fernando Alonso highlighted these issues at the recent Dutch Grand Prix.
Honda introduced a ‘Spec 2’ power unit at the Dutch Grand Prix, aiming to enhance performance. This update focused on improving combustion speed, piston shape, and lubrication systems.
The current engine landscape follows Honda’s initial decision to withdraw from Formula 1 at the end of 2021. This prompted Red Bull to establish its own engine division, Red Bull Powertrains.
Honda later reversed its stance, announcing a full works partnership with Aston Martin for the 2026 regulations. Max Verstappen previously expressed disappointment regarding Honda’s shifting commitments.
Despite earlier speculation regarding his future, Max Verstappen has now secured his commitment to Red Bull until 2030. This extension confirms his long-term presence with the team.
