F1 2026 Regulations: The “ADUO” System and its Possible Impacts

 Abstract

Starting from the 2026 season, Formula 1 will introduce a new mechanism known as Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO). The aim of this rule is to help balance performance between different Power Unit (PU) manufacturers, ensuring that no competitor is left too far behind during the early stages of a championship. This article will explore the functioning of the system, its potential benefits for competition, and the challenges or risks it might create for the future of the sport.

The introduction of ADUO: A system designed for balance

The Formula 1 technical regulations for the 2026–2030 era will include a significant innovation in the management of power units. For the first time, the FIA will monitor the performance of Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) during the opening five Grands Prix of each season. The goal is to establish a baseline for all manufacturers supplying power units.

If a manufacturer’s average ICE performance is found to be more than 3% lower than that of the best-performing competitor, it will be granted the so-called ADUO which stands for Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities[1]. This package of measures provides additional development freedom and extended access to testing facilities, particularly PU test benches. In simple terms, it allows lagging manufacturers to catch up more quickly without being completely restrained by development freezes and budget cap.

The ratio behind ADUO is clear: to prevent Formula 1 from becoming dominated by a single engine supplier, as has often happened in the past. Whether we think of the Mercedes dominance of the hybrid era or earlier cases such as Ferrari in the early 2000s, engine superiority has historically played a decisive role in championship outcomes, mostly considering how regulations are trying to progressively reduce aerodynamic freedom and potential.

With ADUO, the FIA wants to level the playing field by offering struggling manufacturers a chance to close the gap. This measure could be particularly significant as 2026 marks the beginning of a new engine formula, featuring simplified hybrid systems, increased electrical power, and fully sustainable fuels. Such a radical change inevitably risks creating large performance disparities.

 

How ADUO will work in practice

According to the regulations, the FIA will use a standardized methodology to calculate the average power of each ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) across its customer teams. After the first five races, manufacturers falling behind by more than 3% will be granted development allowances. These may include:

-           - Additional upgrades beyond the restrictions set in Article 3.2 of the Appendix;

-            - Extended use of test benches, which otherwise are subject to strict limitations;

-            - The homologation of a new power unit.

However, the FIA also reserves the right to revoke ADUO if later data suggests the gap was miscalculated, or if upgrades provide an advantage that exceeds the intended correction. In other words, ADUO is meant to be a safety net, not a loophole for overdevelopment.

 

Benefits for competition

On paper, ADUO is a positive step for competition. Smaller or less experienced PU manufacturers, such as Audi (joining F1 in 2026), will not face the risk of being locked out of competitiveness for years.

From an entertainment standpoint, this system could also prevent the sport from becoming monotonous. If one manufacturer finds a genius solution at the start of 2026, ADUO ensures that rivals will have the opportunity to respond more effectively, keeping the championship battle alive.

 

Risks and criticisms

Despite its good intentions, ADUO may create new controversies. One of the main risks lies in the subjectivity of the FIA's discretion, a topic that has already been covered in depth in other publications.[2] Deciding when and how to revoke ADUO, or to judge whether an upgrade leads to an “unfair advantage,” could become a source of endless debates.

Moreover, some may argue that this mechanism interferes with the natural reward of technical excellence. Formula 1 has always celebrated innovation, and manufacturers who invest heavily to produce the best PU might feel penalized if their rivals are artificially helped to close the gap.

The director of the FIA's single-seater technical department Nickolas Tombazis has already explained that this mechanism will not be a sort of BOP (Balance of performance), but only a system that will help teams to maintain a certain range of competitiveness and avoid important gaps throughout the entirety of the season. As also stated by Tombazis, this will also help the team in the regards of the difficulties caused by the budget cap.[3]

On the other hand, the real issue in this case is still caused by how the budget cap works. One of the main problems is that engine failures or crashes are considered part of the season’s budget. The FIA needs to revise this, as incidents and failures are not programmed, and repeated issues of this kind can completely destroy a team’s season.

Another concern is the potential for strategic manipulation. Manufacturers could theoretically “sandbag” during the opening races to secure ADUO allowances, although the FIA will surely monitor data closely to minimize this risk. Still, the complexity of power unit performance analysis leaves some room for suspicion.

 

ADUO and the future of Formula 1

The introduction of ADUO marks a new era for Formula 1 regulations. It is not just a technical measure, but a philosophical one: the FIA is moving toward a system where competition is managed more proactively, with built-in mechanisms to avoid domination.

Whether this approach will be successful or not depends on how fairly and transparently it is enforced. If applied carefully, ADUO could prevent the sport from falling into cycles of prolonged dominance, keeping fans engaged and manufacturers motivated. On the other hand, if enforcement appears inconsistent, it could undermine the credibility of Formula 1’s competitive framework.

 

Conclusion

The ADUO system is a bold experiment for Formula 1. Its purpose is clear: to maintain competitiveness during a period of major technological transition. While it promises to enhance fairness and entertainment, it also raises questions about the fine line between regulation and artificial balance.

Ultimately, the success of ADUO will be judged not only on its technical effectiveness, but also on how it is perceived by fans, teams, and manufacturers. If it achieves its goal without compromising the essence of competition, it may become a cornerstone of Formula 1’s future regulatory philosophy.

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[1] Art. 4, Appendix 4, F1 2026 Technical Regulations, FIA, 2025.

[2] D. Beatrice, M. Ferrer, A. A. Mandal, A comprehensive comparison between F1 2024, 2025 and 2026 F1 Sporting Regulations, ISDE, Barcellona, 2025.

[3] G. Rauli, F1 | Dal 2026 ecco l'ADUO per chi fa power unit. Ecco cos'è e come funzionerà, Motorsport.com