Formula One leader Mercedes granted engine upgrade under ADUO system
The sport has entered a new engine era this season, and ADUO is designed to prevent one manufacturer from establishing a significant advantage without rivals being able to respond.
Mercedes has been granted engine upgrades under the FIA's Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system, despite leading both Formula One championships by a significant margin. The governing body decided that Red Bull, who had not won a race in 2026, possessed the most powerful engine unit. The FIA published ADUO findings on Wednesday, confirming that Mercedes could receive one additional engine homologation in 2026 and another in 2027, along with corresponding cost cap and dyno testing increases.
The first review period concluded after the Canadian Grand Prix in May, while the second ended after the Hungarian Grand Prix in late July. Mercedes' power unit was found to be operating within the 2-4% window during the first period, while Audi, Ferrari, and Honda were above the 4% threshold and granted two additional homologations for both 2026 and 2027.
Mercedes provides engines to four teams, Ferrari to three, and Audi and Honda to one each. Currently leading the championship by 87 points, Mercedes trails Red Bull by 239 points.
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- FIA confirms ADUO recipients, with Red Bull-Ford as benchmark sbnation.com
- Explained: Why Red Bull has F1's top-ranked engine – and what it reveals about ADUO sports.yahoo.com
- Red Bull still have F1's most powerful engine bbc.co.uk
