Audi Boss Calls on FIA to Rethink ADUO Upgrade Rule
He argues the scheme’s reliance on a single V6 horsepower measure lets teams conceal true engine potential and permits wide power‑unit overhauls that can be gamed.
Overview
- On Friday Audi F1 programme head Mattia Binotto publicly urged the FIA to change the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities rule because he says it no longer serves its safety‑net purpose.
- ADUO currently awards extra development rights based only on measured V6 internal combustion horsepower taken from in‑car torque sensors, a simple metric manufacturers insisted on during 2025 rule talks.
- The FIA’s provisional ranking used that V6 measure to name Red Bull Ford Powertrains the benchmark and exclude it from upgrades while Audi, Ferrari and Mercedes gained entitlements; Red Bull’s challenge and subsequent FIA rechecks have not overturned the initial result.
- Critics say the system can be gamed because teams can run ICE output below full potential on track while still later overhauling entire power units, including hybrid and ERS components that ADUO permits.
- The dispute has already led to planned or started ADUO‑driven updates and raises broader stakes for governance and future engine rules, with formal review windows scheduled after the Hungarian and Mexico City Grands Prix and potential effects on development timetables for teams and staff.