The FIA’s final 2026 engine assessment has left F1’s catch-up upgrade allowances unchanged, with Red Bull still the benchmark and the only manufacturer without extra upgrades under the scheme, The Race reports. No consolation prize for setting the standard. Source
The Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system, or ADUO, ranks manufacturers on internal combustion engine performance alone—not the output of the whole hybrid power unit. This isn’t a fastest-car trophy. Source
According to The Race, the assessment covered rounds 12–18, from the Dutch Grand Prix through the US Grand Prix. The FIA announced its findings after the Brazilian GP, saying the engine-performance gaps had “evolved” without triggering any additional upgrade approvals. Source
Who gets the extra upgrades?
The existing allowances for additional homologations—approvals of upgraded engine specifications—are:
- Red Bull: None under the catch-up scheme.
- Mercedes: One in 2026 and one in 2027, having been assessed in the 2–4% combustion-engine performance deficit band behind Red Bull.
- Ferrari, Audi and Honda: Two per manufacturer in 2026 and two each in 2027, with their deficits assessed at more than 4%. Source
The four eligible manufacturers also receive corresponding increases in cost-cap allowances and engine test-bench running. Source
The Race reports that Mercedes had yet to introduce its permitted 2026 upgrade, while Ferrari and Honda had already used both of theirs. Audi is understood to be saving its next upgrade for 2027. Source
The catch-up system might get an upgrade, too
There will be no further ADUO assessments in 2026, according to The Race. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said, in comments quoted by the publication:
“We have been working closely with the Power Unit Manufacturers and teams to explore refinements to the methodology that will support the continued effectiveness of ADUO in future seasons.”
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