Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has appealed to the FIA to ensure that the new rules allowing engine manufacturers to upgrade their power units during the 2026 season do not disrupt the existing competitive order in Formula 1. The recently introduced power unit regulations include a performance-balancing measure, which enables manufacturers trailing the leader by a certain margin to develop their engines. This measure is divided into three periods of Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO), with those more than two percent behind the top manufacturer eligible for development opportunities. Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, where Mercedes is expected to maintain its advantage at the top of the standings, Wolff emphasized the importance of implementing these rules with precision and transparency to prevent any team from gaining an unfair advantage.
He stressed that the primary goal of ADUO is to allow underperforming teams to catch up, not to overtake their competitors. With Mercedes dominating the early stages of the season, their self-manufactured engine is likely to be the benchmark for other teams to follow. Wolff suggested that Honda, which supplies engines to Aston Martin, is the only manufacturer in need of support.
He expressed his expectation that the FIA will make ADUO decisions without interfering with the current competitive hierarchy, as any such interference could have significant implications for the championship. As the season progresses, the FIA is expected to provide further clarification on the implementation of these rules, which will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the sport.