The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has officially confirmed that Mercedes has been granted permission to introduce upgrades to its power unit, despite objections raised by rival teams, most notably Red Bull Racing. This decision forms part of the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) framework that the governing body introduced alongside the rollout of brand‑new engines for the 2026 Formula One season. The ADUO system was designed to give manufacturers a structured pathway to narrow any performance gaps that emerge during the regulatory cycle, allowing them to apply for extra homologations if they fall behind the benchmark set by the leading power unit. In June, after the first performance review – which covered the opening five Grand Prix events – the FIA concluded that Red Bull possessed the strongest engine of the field.
Consequently, the organization authorised additional upgrades for four manufacturers: Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi and Honda. Although the FIA did not publish a detailed report, the outcome was confirmed through statements from team principals and drivers, and a leaked document later corroborated the findings.
The ruling sparked controversy across the paddock. Mercedes, whose works team had dominated the opening half of the season by winning the first six races, was seen as receiving a boost at a time when Red Bull had managed only a solitary podium finish. Critics argued that the decision could further widen the competitive disparity, potentially eroding Red Bull's chances of catching up later in the year. Red Bull’s lead driver, Max Verstappen, publicly criticised the FIA’s assessment, questioning the transparency of the process.
Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff used the opportunity to highlight his belief that his squad already fields "the most powerful power unit" and called for greater clarity on how the FIA determines eligibility for extra upgrades. After the initial assessment, the FIA kept the results under wraps while it conducted a second review period, which concluded after the Hungarian Grand Prix just before the summer hiatus.
The findings from both review windows have now been disclosed. According to the FIA’s statement, for the first period Mercedes was placed within a two‑to‑four‑percent performance window relative to the leading engine.
This placement entitled the team to one additional homologation for the 2026 season and another for 2027, together with corresponding allowances for cost‑cap and dyno‑testing expenditures. Audi, Ferrari and Honda, judged to be more than four percent off the pace, were each granted two extra homologations for both 2026 and 2027, along with similar financial leeway. The second‑period review delivered a different message.
No further homologations were awarded to any power‑unit manufacturer, meaning that Red Bull, despite its earlier classification as the benchmark, was not given a new upgrade slot. The FIA explained that this outcome indicates Red Bull remains within the two‑percent margin of the top‑performing engine, and may still be considered the strongest unit overall.
Current championship standings underscore the impact of these decisions. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (a fictional placeholder for illustrative purposes) leads the drivers' table, followed by teammate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, with a 59‑point advantage over the nearest challenger. Max Verstappen sits 130 points behind the Italian driver who occupies sixth place.
In the constructors' championship, Mercedes enjoys an 87‑point lead over Ferrari, while McLaren – powered by a Mercedes engine – has surged into third after Lando Norris secured victories in the two most recent races. Although Mercedes has been cleared to deploy its 2026 upgrade since the June announcement, the team has not yet implemented it on track. Ferrari, Audi and Honda are believed to have each introduced one of their two allotted upgrades for the new season. The FIA’s director of single‑seater competition, Nikolas Tombazis, emphasized that the ADUO review process involved exhaustive data analysis and that the organization is confident in the robustness of its conclusions.
He also noted the need to protect the confidentiality and intellectual property of the teams involved, and acknowledged that the ADUO framework is in its inaugural year and may evolve through ongoing dialogue with power‑unit manufacturers. The third ADUO review window commenced at the Dutch Grand Prix and will run through to the Mexico City Grand Prix on 1 November. As the season progresses toward its climax, the interplay between engine development allowances and on‑track performance will continue to shape the championship narrative, with fans and teams alike watching closely to see whether the extra upgrades will translate into tangible gains or whether the existing balance of power will hold steady.
Formula 1’s next major event is the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Ferrari’s home race, scheduled for 4‑6 September and broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Viewers can stream the coverage via NOW, with the option to cancel at any time without a contract.