On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the FIA published findings from its Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) mechanism, permitting Mercedes to make one additional engine homologation in 2026 and another in 2027. This decision comes despite Mercedes leading both Formula One championships by a significant margin.

The ADUO system grants power unit manufacturers extra upgrades if their internal combustion engine (ICE) performance falls at least 2% below the best-performing unit during defined review periods. The first review period concluded after the Canadian Grand Prix in May, and the second after the Hungarian Grand Prix in late July.

Mercedes was found to be within the 2-4% performance deficit window for the first period, qualifying them for the upgrades. Audi, Ferrari, and Honda, with deficits above 4%, were granted two additional homologations in 2026 and two more in 2027. Notably, Red Bull, currently fourth overall and without a win in 2026, was not granted upgrades, confirming their engine—also used by sister team Racing Bulls—as the benchmark despite this being their first season with an in-house power unit developed with Ford.

After 12 rounds, Mercedes leads Ferrari by 87 points, with Red Bull trailing 239 points behind. The ADUO ratings had leaked earlier, causing controversy given Mercedes' dominance, including winning the first six races and five consecutive victories by championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

Red Bull's four-time world champion Max Verstappen commented, "We were all a little bit surprised with that news," reflecting the team's reaction to the FIA's findings. The governing body expressed confidence in the assessment results.

Sources