The FIA is considering changes to Formula 1’s ADUO system for 2027 after the first season of the new mechanism highlighted potential weaknesses in the way power unit performance is assessed. The review could lead to a broader evaluation of engine competitiveness as the governing body looks to ensure manufacturers genuinely in need of additional development opportunities receive them.
ADUO, or Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities, was introduced as a recovery mechanism under Formula 1’s new power unit regulations. It gives manufacturers suffering from a performance deficit additional scope to develop their engines, but the methodology used to determine eligibility has already produced an unusual outcome involving Mercedes and Red Bull.
FIA considers changing how the F1 ADUO system works
According to The Race, several possible revisions are being examined ahead of 2027. At present, the assessment concentrates primarily on internal combustion engine power rather than measuring the performance of the complete power unit.
That distinction became particularly significant during the system’s first year. Red Bull provided the reference point for combustion engine performance, while Mercedes still qualified for an additional development opportunity despite dominating the championship. The situation has raised questions over whether measuring the combustion engine in isolation accurately identifies the overall competitive position of each manufacturer.
A future version of ADUO could therefore incorporate a wider range of parameters. Turbocharger dimensions, operating temperatures and other elements capable of influencing power could potentially become part of the ranking process. Another option under consideration would go further by assessing the performance of the entire power unit instead of concentrating predominantly on the combustion engine.
Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto had previously proposed another possible indicator, suggesting that the Constructors’ Championship standings could also be considered when determining which manufacturers require additional development opportunities.
The debate is particularly relevant to Ferrari because ADUO has become part of the development landscape under Formula 1’s new engine regulations. The Maranello team’s power unit progress also has implications beyond the current campaign, with Ferrari viewing continued SF-26 development as useful preparation for 2027.
Honda difficulties add urgency to ADUO discussions
The prospect of revising ADUO has gained further momentum amid Honda’s difficulties with Aston Martin. Lawrence Stroll and Fernando Alonso have both pushed for additional assistance, while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has indicated that he is open to considering new measures that could help.
The FIA is also keen to avoid a situation in which a major manufacturer leaves Formula 1. That has put Honda’s circumstances firmly within the wider discussion over whether the current recovery mechanism is sufficiently effective.
Mercedes and Red Bull have both shown a willingness to discuss potential assistance for Honda, while recognising that its situation could require a broader examination of ADUO rather than an isolated intervention.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff recalled that the mechanism was conceived specifically to help manufacturers recover from a performance deficit and indicated that he would be open to adjustments where necessary. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies similarly pointed towards discussions over shortcomings that have emerged in the regulations.
Honda, meanwhile, continues to work on its own development programme for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. On-track leader Shintaro Orihara emphasised that the manufacturer is not expecting regulation changes to provide a miracle solution and instead intends to improve its position through its own development work. The manufacturer’s ongoing efforts include a larger development push at Honda’s Sakura operation.
Any 2027 ADUO change will need manufacturer support
Even if the FIA decides that the ADUO framework should be modified, regulatory changes cannot simply be introduced without sufficient backing. Formal amendments would require support from at least four of the six manufacturers represented on the Power Unit Advisory Committee.
The next F1 Commission meeting could provide the starting point for that process, allowing the broader issue to be raised before more detailed technical discussions take place.
The challenge will be finding an assessment capable of identifying genuine power unit deficits without creating unintended outcomes. The current system’s focus on combustion engine power means the ranking does not necessarily mirror the competitive picture seen on track, something illustrated by Mercedes receiving an additional opportunity while simultaneously leading the championship.
For the FIA and Formula 1’s six power unit manufacturers, the question is therefore broader than Honda’s immediate difficulties. The first year of ADUO has provided practical evidence of how the mechanism operates under real competitive conditions, and the 2027 review could determine whether parameters such as turbo characteristics, temperatures, complete power unit performance or even championship position should play a larger role.
No revision has yet been finalised. Honda remains focused on improving through its own programme, while the FIA and manufacturers continue evaluating whether ADUO needs to evolve after its inaugural season.
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