Audi's Mattia Binotto demands overhaul of F1 ADUO power‑unit rule

Audi Formula 1 boss Mattia Binotto has publicly called on the FIA to rethink its Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system that allocates power‑unit development credits. Binotto argues the rule only measures the internal‑combustion V6 engine’s on‑track performance, allowing teams with a strong overall car package—such as Mercedes—to qualify for extra upgrades while leaving rivals like Red Bull, whose in‑house Red Bull‑Ford power unit trails by more than 2 %, effectively locked out.

He quoted, “In my opinion, the limit has been that it exclusively measured performance on the track. A car with an overall advantage can afford not to fully exploit the potential of its power unit,” and urged the FIA to restore the original intent of ADUO, which was to help manufacturers that were truly falling behind. The FIA has said it originally considered a broader assessment model, but the manufacturers voted to keep the V6‑only metric. Red Bull has also requested further clarification from the governing body.

Binotto warns that without fixing the loophole, an unfair hierarchy could become entrenched for the next half‑decade of the hybrid era.