The term ADUO is really big in Formula 1 now, especially after the Monaco Grand Prix. This is because Lewis Hamilton, who is a seven-time world champion, said that Ferrari and Mercedes are going to get engine upgrades because of the ADUO system.
Formula 1 is getting rules for engines in 2026. The FIA made ADUO to help all the car makers stay competitive with each other. So what is? How does the ADUO system work?
What Does ADUO Mean?
ADUO means Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities. The system started when Formula 1 made rules for 2026 power units. It checks how well all engine makers are doing during the season.
Under ADUO, the FIA collects technical data and performance information from all five power unit manufacturers and compares their engines. One manufacturer is identified as the benchmark, while rivals that are found to be behind are granted additional development opportunities to help close the gap.
The aim is to keep each engine the same, under the rules. This way, the sport stays fair and exciting.
Why Was ADUO Introduced?
The Formula 1 power units for 2026 were approved earlier in the year. This means that the people who make the power units are not allowed to make many changes to improve performance once the season starts.
However, there is something called ADUO that does not follow these rules.
If a company that makes Formula 1 engines is not doing well like the others, the FIA can give them special permission to make some upgrades to their Formula 1 engines.
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The FIA can give them something called development tokens that allow them to make upgrades to parts of the Formula 1 power unit.
This helps the companies that are struggling with their Formula 1 engines to get better without having to wait for a whole new Formula 1 engine to be made.
How Are ADUO Upgrades Awarded?
The FIA assesses the performance gap between the leading engine and its rivals.
Manufacturers found to be:
- Between 2% and 4% behind receive one ADUO upgrade opportunity in 2026 and another in 2027.
- More than 4% behind receive two upgrade opportunities in both 2026 and 2027.
However, these upgrade opportunities cannot be saved or accumulated for future use.
The FIA plans multiple assessment windows throughout the season, including reviews after the Hungarian Grand Prix and the Mexico City Grand Prix, which will influence development allowances for 2027.
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Why Is Red Bull Considered The Benchmark?
One of the surprises about ADUO is that Red Bull Powertrains is said to be the best engine supplier. This is surprising because Mercedes has been doing well on the track this season.
The reason for this is how the FIA looks at performance. ADUO is only looking at the Internal Combustion Engine part of the power unit, not the hybrid package.
The FIA looked at the data for the Internal Combustion Engine. They think that Red Bull Powertrains has the best combustion engine. ADUO and the FIA are focusing on the Internal Combustion Engine component of the power unit.
As a result:
- Mercedes HPP is believed to be around 2% behind and qualifies for one upgrade opportunity.
- Ferrari, Audi and Honda are reportedly more than 4% behind and qualify for additional development support.
- Honda is also expected to receive extra development budget due to its current challenges.
What Parts Can Be Upgraded?
Manufacturers can use their ADUO allowances across several areas of the power unit.
Eligible components include:
- Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
- Engine exhaust system
- Turbocharger
- Energy Recovery System (ERS)
- MGU-K
- Control electronics
Each manufacturer is free to decide where its upgrade opportunities will be used in order to maximise performance gains.
Cost Cap Adjustments
Because Formula 1 manufacturers operate under strict financial regulations, the FIA has also adjusted power unit cost caps to accommodate ADUO development.
Manufacturers receiving upgrade opportunities are reportedly entitled to additional spending allowances.
Mercedes HPP is expected to receive an increase of approximately $3 million, while Ferrari, Audi and Honda could receive up to $4.65 million in additional development budget.
Although the FIA has not yet publicly disclosed the exact methodology used to determine ADUO eligibility.
Also Read: Max Verstappen Fires Red Bull Warning After Unexpected Monaco Turnaround
