FIA ADUO system under fire as power‑unit ranking delay fuels controversy

The FIA’s ADUO system, introduced for the 2026 Formula 1 season to balance performance among power‑unit manufacturers, is facing criticism for structural flaws. Analysts say the system evaluates only the internal‑combustion engine (ICE) component, ignoring the electric part of the modern power unit, which could inadvertently reinforce the advantage of top teams such as Mercedes and hinder the intended cost‑control goals.

The first ADUO power‑unit ranking, which determines extra development allowances for 2026 and 2027, has not been officially released despite the FIA’s deadline passing after the Canadian Grand Prix. The FIA reportedly sent a provisional one‑page briefing to the five suppliers—Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi and Honda—but has not made the results public. Red Bull, newly entered as a power‑unit provider, objects to being named the ICE benchmark, a status that grants no extra development while allowing rivals to receive additional upgrades. Ferrari and Mercedes are pressing for the extra‑development budgets to be applied immediately, while Audi and Honda anticipate larger gaps and corresponding allowances. The impasse has frozen the ADUO process and sparked a political dispute among the manufacturers.

Critics argue that because the ADUO metric excludes the electric system, it may cement existing performance hierarchies rather than level the field, prompting calls for a deeper regulatory revision.