FIA Adjusts ADUO Engine Development Rules After Calendar Changes

The FIA has immediately adjusted the F1's ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) system following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. Evaluation checkpoints for engine performance have been shifted, and extra development hours for struggling manufacturers have been increased.

Why it matters:

The ADUO system is crucial in the first year of new engine regulations to ensure parity and help lagging suppliers catch up. Honda, now with Aston Martin after parting with Red Bull, is significantly behind and stands to benefit from the rule tweaks. This could reshape the competitive balance in 2026.

The Details:

• Evaluation checkpoints were originally after races 6, 12, and 18. Now they occur after the Canadian GP (race 5), Hungarian GP (race 11), and Mexico City GP (race 18) — adjusting to the shortened 22-race calendar.
• Extra development hours are allocated based on performance deficit relative to the benchmark:
  • <2%: 0 hours
  • 2-4%: 70 hours
  • 4-6%: 110 hours
  • 6-8%: 150 hours
  • 8-10%: 190 hours

  • 10%: 230 hours

• Honda is reportedly more than 10% off the pace, making them eligible for the maximum 230 extra hours.

What's Next:

With Honda receiving significant additional development time, the Japanese manufacturer could close the gap faster than originally anticipated. The first real performance gauge will come at the Canadian Grand Prix, where the FIA's initial evaluation will set the tone for the rest of the season. Other manufacturers like Ferrari and Mercedes will be watching closely as the power unit hierarchy evolves.