Overview
- The World Motor Sport Council approved the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities framework to oversee power‑unit competitiveness in 2026.
- Formal evaluations will take place after races 6, 12 and 18 of the 24‑round season, enabling targeted aid for manufacturers judged to be significantly behind.
- Possible measures include extra power‑unit test‑bench hours, limited cost‑cap leniency, and permission to modify homologated components.
- The FIA also authorized cost‑cap relief for manufacturers facing serious reliability problems that would otherwise be highly damaging.
- The initiative accompanies the 2026 reset with 350 kW electrical systems, MGU‑H removal and sustainable fuels, as Audi, Red Bull Powertrains and Honda join Mercedes and Ferrari with Renault departing.