The FIA may revise the regulations for engine modifications.

      The FIA is considering the possibility of adjusting the engine development regulations within the ADUO program following the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Initially, these races were scheduled to take place in April, but they were canceled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Against this backdrop, calls to reconsider the timelines allocated for power unit upgrades under ADUO have intensified.

      The current regulations provide for four assessment periods throughout the season. The performance of internal combustion engines is evaluated every six races using a comprehensive performance index that takes into account several parameters. Initially, the sixth race, after which the first such assessment was to take place, was set for the Miami Grand Prix in early May. However, this event has now become the fourth on the calendar. As a result, the key assessment has been moved to the Monaco Grand Prix in early June. This means a significant delay and could put several engine manufacturers at a disadvantage.

      The ADUO program is structured on a "step" principle and takes into account the performance differences of power units. Suppliers lagging more than 2% behind the leader receive additional opportunities for upgrades, while those falling behind by more than 4% receive even more significant concessions. The regulations cover 84 individual components, and under normal circumstances, only one update of each is allowed per season. However, participants in the ADUO program receive expanded limits on upgrades, more hours of work on test benches, and more flexible budget constraints. These concessions apply in both the current and the next season, with their volume increasing as the lag approaches 8%.

      In the initial schedule, Mercedes stood to gain the most, as their power unit serves as the benchmark. At the same time, Ferrari, Audi, and other manufacturers are interested in an earlier assessment to accelerate development. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the development cycle for power units is significantly longer than that for chassis. With strict engine homologation and serious restrictions on upgrades outside the ADUO framework, it is nearly impossible to close the gap to Mercedes in a short timeframe.

      In this context, it has been reported that the FIA is ready to propose adjustments to the assessment timelines considering the updated calendar. Given that the only potential opponent to the changes could be Mercedes, reaching an agreement on regulatory changes among manufacturers seems quite likely.

      However, even if the timelines for engine development are revised, the budget constraints for teams will remain the same. According to the current regulations, the limit of $215 million is calculated for a season of "24 or fewer races" and only increases if the calendar exceeds 24 events.