Red Bull engine becomes benchmark for F1 ADUO upgrade system

The FIA has identified the Red Bull‑Ford power unit as the reference point for the new Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system introduced for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Because Red Bull’s engine is the most powerful, it is not eligible for the extra development tokens the scheme provides. Teams whose engines lag by more than 2 % can receive one upgrade in the current season and another next year; those lagging over 4 % receive two upgrades each season. Mercedes, judged around 2 % behind the benchmark, will receive a single upgrade, while Ferrari, Audi and Honda – with larger deficits – qualify for two upgrades. The ADUO tokens can be used to develop V6‑turbo hybrid power units but are granted only the first time a team meets the criteria. Lewis Hamilton noted after the Monaco Grand Prix that “Red Bull has the most powerful engine, Mercedes second, we are behind,” underscoring the competitive gap the system aims to address.