FIA announces no new ADUO updates following the second assessment.
"An in-depth and comprehensive analysis"
The FIA has released its second evaluation of Formula 1's controversial new engine catch-up system, revealing that no manufacturer received any additional development allowances following the Hungarian GP. The Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system (ADUO) enables manufacturers whose combustion engine performance lags at least 2 percent behind the benchmark to implement extra homologated upgrades, along with gaining more dyno running time and cost-cap permissions.
The initial assessment sparked significant debate when newcomer Red Bull-Ford set the benchmark for combustion engines on its first try, effectively excluding itself from the very development advantages available to its competitors. The FIA has now officially outlined the results from that first period.
Mercedes was found to be between 2 and 4 percent behind the leading internal combustion engine (ICE), earning one additional homologation in 2026 and another in 2027. Audi, Ferrari, and Honda were all assessed as being over 4 percent behind, which granted each of them two extra homologations this season and another two next season. However, following the second evaluation period that followed the Hungarian GP, the FIA stated: "No additional homologations were granted to any of the Power Unit Manufacturers."
Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s single-seater director, stood by the evaluation method. "The FIA has conducted a thorough and comprehensive analysis as part of our ADUO review process." He added, "With the release of the findings from period 2, we are confident that, based on the quality of the data, the analysis is extremely rigorous, providing us with a high level of confidence in our findings."
"This is the first year of ADUO, so naturally, there are areas we may refine over time in consultation with all the Power Unit Manufacturers." Championship leader Kimi Antonelli will be utilizing a new Mercedes engine at Monza, which will incur a grid penalty at his home race but will allow him to use the upgraded ADUO specification. Toto Wolff mentioned that Mercedes is also deliberating whether George Russell should pursue the same option, stating, "With George, discussions are ongoing if we were to take it."
Meanwhile, Ferrari has reportedly already prepared its updated ADUO engines for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, and a decision is still pending on whether to introduce them at Monza. The third ADUO review will analyze the seven races from Zandvoort to Mexico City.
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