FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis has admitted Formula 1’s new ADUO regulations need refining, amid concerns rivals could theoretically manipulate the system to keep Red Bull Powertrains as the benchmark.
The Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system was introduced for 2026 to help power unit manufacturers close performance deficits. Suppliers falling behind the FIA-defined benchmark receive additional opportunities to develop their engines.
Red Bull Powertrains currently holds that benchmark position, meaning Mercedes, Ferrari and other manufacturers could theoretically benefit from additional development allowances while Red Bull receives none.
The controversy centres partly on how the FIA measures performance. ADUO assessments are based on the internal combustion engine, despite permitted development opportunities also covering electrical elements of the power unit.
Tombazis acknowledged the regulations were unlikely to satisfy every manufacturer in such a competitive environment. He told Motorsport.com: “In Formula 1 almost everything seems to be quite sensitive.”Could rivals deliberately keep Red Bull on top?
The FIA man continued: “It rarely happens that eleven teams and five or six engine manufacturers say: ‘Fantastic, we all agree’. The only thing I think everyone agrees on is that the summer break in August is a good thing. I have to remind you that that was my idea.”
Despite the debate surrounding ADUO, Tombazis insisted the FIA’s performance measurements have been accurate: “It is all quite a sensitive matter. Everyone is so competitive and so focused on their position relative to the others. So yes, it has been quite a challenge.
“I think our measurements have proven to be very accurate, in my opinion. That being said: did everything go flawlessly? No, because it is clear that people are not satisfied. Should we think about improvements for the future? Yes, I would say so,” acknowledged Tombazis.
Another potential weakness is that manufacturers could theoretically delay using their available ADUO upgrades. Mercedes or Ferrari, for example, could remain fractionally behind Red Bull’s measured combustion-engine performance, potentially allowing them to retain access to further development opportunities.
Some weaknesses that we need to address
That could leave Red Bull effectively trapped as the benchmark. Tombazis explained why he is not concerned: “I don’t think it would be sensible for a team to always stay below its maximum achievable potential. Just to get more opportunities. Because what is the point of getting opportunities if, ultimately, it isn’t about being at the top?”
The FIA therefore believes the principle behind ADUO remains sound, even if the execution requires work. Tombazis concluded: “I think the scheme works as intended.
“Although I am of the opinion that there are some Also, to make it less time-consuming and less controversial, we must take steps to improve it in the future.”
For Red Bull Powertrains, the immediate problem remains straightforward: being fastest under the FIA’s measurement system may also mean having fewer opportunities to become faster still.