To encourage close competition, F1\u2019s Technical Regulations for 2026 and beyond will allow manufacturers to make updates to their homologated power units \u2013 in specific situations \u2013 under a new development mechanism. But what is the so-called \u2018ADUO\u2019, and how does it work? F1.com presents an all-in-one explainer\u2026<\/p>\n
What does \u2018ADUO\u2019 mean?<\/p>\n
First up, \u2018ADUO\u2019 stands for \u2018Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities\u2019.<\/p>\n
During specific periods of each F1 season from 2026 to 2030, covering the sport\u2019s latest power unit cycle<\/a>, governing body the FIA<\/a> will monitor each manufacturer\u2019s Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) performance, in turn creating an \u2018ICE Performance Index\u2019.<\/p>\n Various factors are considered, spanning engine speed, input shaft torque and MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic) power, as well as a weighting for power sensitivity on lap time across measured laps.<\/p>\n As the ADUO assessment focuses on the ICE alone, the FIA admits it is not representative of full power unit performance, given that the ERS (Energy Recovery System) also plays a crucial role in the overall power output.<\/p>\n When does ADUO come into play?<\/p>\n In short, when a power unit manufacturer\u2019s ICE is 2% or more behind the best-performing engine in the Performance Index, ADUO is granted.<\/p>\n As set out in Article 4.3 of Appendix C5 of the 2026 F1 Technical Regulations, if a manufacturer\u2019s power unit is at least 2% but less than 4% down on the leading ICE, they will be eligible for one additional homologation upgrade in the current season, and an additional upgrade in the following season.<\/p>\n Power unit manufacturers whose Performance Index is at least 4% below the leading ICE will be eligible for two additional upgrades in the current season, and two more during the following season.<\/p>\n When are the monitoring periods?<\/p>\n Under Article 4.2 of Appendix C5 of the 2026 F1 Technical Regulations, there are three periods during the 2026 season when power unit manufacturers\u2019 ICE performance will be monitored.<\/p>\n These three periods were initially listed as Rounds 1-6, 7-12 and 13-18.<\/p>\n However, given that the first period \u2013 including the Australian, Chinese, Japanese, Bahrain, Saudi Arabian and Miami Grands Prix \u2013 was affected by the Sakhir and Jeddah events not taking place, adjustments followed.<\/p>\n The first period is now formed of the campaign\u2019s opening five rounds (Australia, China, Japan, Miami and Canada), with results to be communicated no later than two weeks after the Canadian Grand Prix.<\/p>\n The second period will cover Rounds 6-11 (from Monaco to Hungary), while the third period will cover Rounds 12-18 (from the Netherlands to Mexico City).<\/p>\n Once results have been communicated, power unit manufacturers eligible for ADUO will receive notifications detailing their allowance, and will be able to implement any upgrades as early as the following race.<\/p>\n What upgrades can be made?<\/p>\n Once ADUO comes into play, developments can be applied to a range of power unit components.<\/p>\n As per the FIA\u2019s list, permitted upgrades include elements of the ICE, engine exhaust system, Turbocharger and waste gate\/pop-off, ICE- or exhaust-mounted electrical components and sensors, ERS (and associated cooling systems), the MGU-K, and the car\u2019s Control Electronics, along with hydraulic functions, fluids and ballast.<\/p>\n ADUO upgrades are not cumulative within a season, and will only be granted on the first occasion a manufacturer is deemed as eligible to make developments.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, any upgrade not used in a specified season will be forfeited. So, if a manufacturer is granted one upgrade for 2026 and one upgrade for 2027, the 2026 upgrade must be introduced before the end of that season, or it will be forfeited, while the upgrade for 2027 remains valid.<\/p>\n What about F1\u2019s cost cap?<\/p>\n