FIA introduces 'ADUO' to address engine imbalance for 2026.
Engine performance will be monitored
The FIA has introduced a new initiative aimed at preventing any single engine manufacturer from dominating Formula 1 with the upcoming radical 2026 regulations—this initiative is known as "Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities" (ADUO).
This decision was confirmed following a World Motor Sport Council meeting led by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who attended the meeting via video from the federation's new London office. "I am pleased to join you today from our new FIA office in London—a significant milestone that demonstrates our ongoing efforts to strengthen and globalize our Federation," Ben Sulayem stated.
In a released statement, the FIA noted that the modifications, which include aspects of the survival cell, suspension, aerodynamics, and power unit, intend to provide "greater development opportunities for PU manufacturers who are significantly behind their competitors."
Through the ADUO framework, engine performance will be evaluated throughout 2026, with official assessments happening after Races 6, 12, and 18. Manufacturers deemed to be considerably behind may receive additional test-bench hours, some relief from cost cap restrictions, or extra chances to modify their homologated power units.
This measure aims to prevent a recurrence of the 2014 situation, in which Mercedes’ hybrid engine enjoyed dominance for several years. Spanish media outlet Soy Motor characterized ADUO as a "soft balance of performance" tailored to assist underperforming suppliers like Audi or Red Bull Powertrains in closing the early performance gaps.
The FIA also announced cost cap flexibility for manufacturers facing serious reliability challenges to avoid prolonged setbacks under strict budgeting regulations.
In a separate discussion with Marca, Aston Martin CEO Andy Cowell—who oversaw Mercedes’ 2014 hybrid success and now leads the team’s Honda-powered 2026 project—praised the "complexity and ambition" of the forthcoming era. Regarding Honda, he remarked: "What I observe is an engineering-centric organization dedicating maximum effort to enhancing performance, improving efficiency, reducing weight, and striving for ambitious reliability objectives," Cowell said.
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