Overview
- A document that circulated in the Monaco paddock during the weekend shows the FIA’s first ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) assessment judged Red Bull Powertrains‑Ford as the benchmark for internal combustion engine (ICE) output.
- The assessment reportedly placed Mercedes more than 2% behind Red Bull, giving Mercedes one upgrade token for 2026, while Ferrari, Audi and Honda were judged over 4% adrift and were each allocated two tokens.
- ADUO measures only ICE output on track but allows any granted development to be applied across the whole power unit, including energy recovery systems, which creates a mismatch between what was measured and what teams can change.
- The FIA’s technical lead, Nikolas Tombazis, says ADUO is cost‑cap relief for manufacturers rather than a balance‑of‑performance, but pundits and teams have publicly questioned the methodology, transparency and timing of the finding.
- Further ADUO review windows remain in 2026 and any on‑track effect will take months because tokens are non‑transferable, must be used in their window, and upgrades require dyno work, testing and race fitment before they can alter performance.