Following the Monaco Grand Prix, the FIA has reportedly disclosed the latest concession figures awarded to manufacturers under the ADUO system, taking into account only the performance of the internal combustion engine. According to the information that has emerged, there is a major surprise involving Mercedes, while Ferrari could also benefit significantly from the mechanism.
The key metric used for evaluation is the Performance Index. For ADUO purposes, only the ICE, or internal combustion engine, is considered.
To clarify how the system works, manufacturers with a performance deficit between 2% and 4% can receive up to $3 million in additional development resources. A deficit between 4% and 6% grants up to $4.65 million, while a gap between 6% and 8% allows for up to $6.35 million. Teams falling between 8% and 10% can receive as much as $8 million, while those with a deficit greater than 10% are eligible for up to $11 million in additional development allowances.
The areas that can be updated through the system include the internal combustion engine, turbocharger, exhaust system, ERS, cooling system, electronic sensors, MGU-K and several electronic and hydraulic components of the power unit package.
Each development token can be used to upgrade only a single element chosen by the manufacturer. In other words, receiving a token does not allow a team to update every component simultaneously; only one specific area can be modified at a time. Manufacturers with a deficit between 2% and 4% receive one development token for 2026 and another for 2027. Those exceeding the 4% threshold are entitled to two tokens for 2026 and two more for 2027.
With that framework established, the reported figures paint a fascinating picture of the current competitive order among power unit manufacturers.
Mercedes enters ADUO, while Red Bull Powertrains reportedly leads the ICE rankings
According to information shared by Rosario Giuliana of AutoRacer.it, Red Bull Powertrains – making its debut with its first in-house Formula 1 engine project – has reportedly been classified as the strongest internal combustion engine currently on the grid.
If confirmed, that would mean the Milton Keynes-based operation would not be eligible to modify its power unit through the ADUO system until at least 2027, unless significant changes occur in the meantime.
The biggest surprise concerns Mercedes. The German manufacturer is reportedly included within the ADUO framework with an estimated deficit of around 2%. Such a scenario would grant Mercedes access to concessions despite already being considered one of the benchmark power unit suppliers. This development would represent an additional obstacle for rivals attempting to close the gap, including Ferrari.
The Maranello team had been confident that its engine would fall within the FIA parameters required to qualify for ADUO assistance. The main uncertainty was not whether Ferrari would qualify, but rather the extent of the support it would receive.
According to these reports, Ferrari’s power unit exceeds the 4% threshold. That would entitle the Scuderia to two development tokens for the current season and another two for 2027, along with additional budget allocation and extra dyno testing time. Behind Ferrari is reportedly Audi, whose engine is also believed to fall within the 4% to 6% range. Honda, meanwhile, is said to be facing greater difficulties, with its power unit potentially sitting in the 6% to 8% category.
From Ferrari’s perspective, this would undoubtedly represent positive news. Additional development tokens, increased testing opportunities and extra resources could prove crucial in reducing the performance deficit over the coming seasons.
However, the reported inclusion of Mercedes within the concession system complicates the picture considerably. If Mercedes is also able to take advantage of ADUO benefits, the challenge facing Ferrari becomes even greater than initially expected.
The next opportunities for FIA monitoring and data evaluation are expected to come at the Hungarian Grand Prix and the Mexico City Grand Prix, where the governing body will continue assessing manufacturer performance and determining whether further adjustments to the ADUO framework are required.
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