Audi discreetly launched the ADUO engine upgrade in Spain.

      Audi has discreetly become the first Formula 1 manufacturer to implement an upgraded power unit under the FIA’s contentious ADUO engine development system. While Ferrari has confirmed its upgrade for this weekend’s Austrian GP, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that Audi actually rolled out its initial revised engine specification in Barcelona without any public announcement.

      The adjustments reportedly prioritized drivability over outright power, addressing concerns such as throttle response related to the original engine’s relatively large turbocharger. This timing is significant since Red Bull was still openly questioning the FIA’s ADUO evaluation during the Barcelona race weekend, with team principal Laurent Mekies asserting that the data did not substantiate the claim that Red Bull-Ford had the best internal combustion engine.

      Nevertheless, the FIA approved the first round of upgrades, permitting rival manufacturers to start introducing revised hardware in line with their designated development opportunities. Ferrari is now officially following suit in Austria.

      Power unit leader Enrico Gualtieri confirmed an updated specification will be introduced at Spielberg. "The update we are bringing to Spielberg is relatively modest and represents the progress made in recent weeks to translate our development advances onto the track," he stated. He also warned against expecting an instant turnaround. "This is a limited update and, on its own, will not be sufficient to alter the competitive landscape," Gualtieri acknowledged. "Performance is developed over time through numerous incremental improvements."

      Mercedes is also bringing updates to Austria after witnessing its early-season advantage diminish in Barcelona, where Ferrari achieved its first victory. "Barcelona served as a benchmark for our current performance and, having won the first six races, provided a wake-up call," team principal Toto Wolff said. "Others have quickly closed the gap, and we need to respond." Wolff added that Mercedes’ package is focused on "enhancing both performance and reliability," admitting: "Our weakness thus far has been reliability."