The FIA has finalized its third and final Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) assessment for the 2026 Formula 1 season, confirming no additional engine homologation tokens will be granted to any power unit manufacturer.
This decision locks in the existing performance concessions for the remainder of the current campaign.
The ruling follows an intensive review period spanning from the Dutch Grand Prix through the United States Grand Prix.
While the FIA acknowledged that the relative performance gaps between internal combustion engines (ICE) have evolved since the previous assessment, these fluctuations did not trigger the threshold requirements necessary to alter the current distribution of development tokens. This outcome effectively maintains the status quo established earlier in the 2026 season, as reported by Motorsport.com.
FIA announces ADUO results following third review period of 2026https://t.co/S6rPY0fOmO#FIA #F1 pic.twitter.com/1SVDtg7S00
Red Bull Faces Engine Freeze While Rivals Retain Upgrades
- Engine Stability: Red Bull Ford Powertrains continues to operate under an effective engine freeze, having been identified as the benchmark manufacturer. Fantasy managers should note that while performance parity may fluctuate, no new hardware upgrades are coming for the Milton Keynes-based squad this year.
- Development Trajectory: Ferrari, Audi, and Honda retain their existing two-upgrade allowance for the remainder of the season and two additional tokens for 2027, providing a clear path for late-season or off-season performance gains.
- With the FIA confirming no changes to power unit concessions following the final ADUO assessment, the existing ICE performance hierarchy established after the first period remains in place for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The ADUO mechanism, introduced to manage the 2026 power unit regulations, was designed to foster competitive balance by allowing manufacturers struggling with their ICE performance to apply for extra homologation tokens.
Eligibility is tiered based on the percentage deficit relative to the leading manufacturer. According to reports, the first assessment window categorized Mercedes in the 2-4% deficit bracket, while Ferrari, Audi, and Honda were assessed as trailing the benchmark by more than 4%.
Red Bull Ford Powertrains initially contested the results of the first analysis, disputing their designation as the clear benchmark, which led to a delay in the publication of the opening findings. Despite the pushback, the FIA has maintained the robustness of its data.
“The FIA has undertaken extensive analysis as part of the review of ADUO this year. Based on the quality of the data and the robustness of the assessment process, we are confident in our findings and the conclusions reached,” said FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis.
🚨 | | 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡: 𝗙𝗜𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗙𝟭 𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦! The FIA has completed its final 2026 ADUO review, confirming that no further engine upgrade opportunities have been granted. 📊 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹… pic.twitter.com/6PzdQiTyB2
| Manufacturer | Performance Tier (ICE) | 2026 Concessions | 2027 Concessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Bull Ford | Benchmark | None | None |
| Mercedes | 2-4% Deficit | 1 Upgrade | 1 Upgrade |
| Ferrari/Audi/Honda | >4% Deficit | 2 Upgrades | 2 Upgrades |
While the current system is locked for the remainder of 2026, the FIA is actively looking toward the future. Tombazis indicated that the governing body is working alongside power unit manufacturers to refine the methodology for upcoming seasons.
“The first year of implementation has also reinforced our belief that the ADUO concept is the right one for Formula 1,” Tombazis noted. “However, it is important that the system continues to evolve to ensure it remains efficient, relevant and fit for purpose.”
The scope of the ADUO rules extends beyond the internal combustion engine. Once a manufacturer qualifies for additional development tokens, they are permitted to modify specific electrical components, including the battery and MGU-K.
As the grid looks toward 2027, the next formal review period is already on the horizon. The FIA confirmed that the first ADUO analysis of the 2027 season will evaluate engine performance across the opening six races, covering the period from the Bahrain Grand Prix through the Miami Grand Prix.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
🚨 FIA confirms the results of the third ADUO review period for 2026, with no additional homologations granted to any manufacturer. Red Bull remain the benchmark. Mercedes retains one additional homologation upgrade for 2026 and 2027, while Ferrari, Audi and Honda each have two… pic.twitter.com/y4NvigilmP
