The FIA presented the results of the first and second ADUO periods on Wednesday. These show that the Red Bull power unit, which powers Max Verstappen among others, still tops the rankings. This means that other engine suppliers, including Mercedes, are allowed limited upgrades to close the gap. However, the results remain remarkable, as Red Bull lags far behind the other top teams in the World Championship standings.
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The ADUO principle was introduced to ensure competitiveness between the different engine suppliers. The FIA assesses the potential of the power units based on the internal combustion engine and thus balances the scales. After the Monaco GP, the first results were shared with the teams, which led to dissatisfaction at Red Bull. The brand-new power unit, developed in collaboration with Ford, topped the rankings, while Mercedes was still unbeaten at that time.
Exhaustive analysis by the FIA
Meanwhile, the FIA has publicly presented the results of both the first and second ADUO periods. Red Bull is still the benchmark, while Mercedes – which still comfortably leads the constructors’ championship – is 2 to 4 percent behind. The Silberpfeile therefore have the opportunity to implement one-time upgrades to the power unit, both in 2026 and in 2027. Ferrari, Audi, and Honda are 4 percent or more behind and thus receive twice as many development opportunities.
“The FIA has conducted a thorough and exhaustive analysis as part of our ADUO evaluation process,” responded director Nikolas Tombazis. “With the publication of the findings of the second period, we are confident that the analysis, given the quality of the data, is very robust. However, we must also respect the confidentiality and intellectual property of the teams and their engine manufacturers when disseminating details from the findings.” Therefore, the FIA does not share substantive information about the relative standings.
Mercedes will be allowed one additional PU homologation in 2026 and another one in 2027. Audi, Ferrari and Honda will be allowed 2 additional homologations in 2026 and 2 in 2027, as a result of the first two periods analysis.
— FIA (@fia) August 26, 2026
The third ADUO review period will cover Races… pic.twitter.com/Yw94JsOPrJ
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