Audi’s Formula 1® team principal Mattia Binotto has urged the FIA to reconsider the current ADUO power unit upgrade system amid concerns that it may be open to exploitation by some manufacturers. The system, introduced for the 2026 season, allocates upgrade tokens based on measured deficits in V6 engine power, but Binotto warns this approach might not accurately reflect true engine performance.
The ADUO system was designed to help teams with less competitive power units catch up by granting upgrade opportunities proportional to their measured power shortfall. However, in practice, Mercedes—widely regarded as having the strongest engine in 2026—has been allowed additional upgrades due to recorded V6 power deficits. Meanwhile, Red Bull Ford Powertrains, whose V6 engine is considered the benchmark by the FIA, has been excluded from further upgrades. Rival manufacturers have raised suspicions that Mercedes and Ferrari could be deliberately underusing their engines during measurement to gain an advantage in the upgrade allocation.
Binotto highlighted that the system’s reliance solely on on-track V6 power measurements can be misleading. A car’s overall performance advantage might mask the true potential of its engine, allowing some manufacturers to benefit unfairly. He emphasized that Audi supports the original intent behind ADUO—to assist those genuinely behind in performance—but believes the current rules may create opportunities for exploitation rather than fair competition.
The system permits upgrades to the entire power unit, including hybrid components, even though eligibility is determined solely by V6 power output. Initially, the FIA considered incorporating additional factors into the assessment, but manufacturers preferred to keep the focus on V6 power alone. Audi’s engines currently lag behind their rivals but have shown reasonable progress, with Honda identified as the manufacturer most in need of the catch-up mechanism.
While Binotto respects the FIA’s data and decisions, he calls for a review of the ADUO regulations to better capture true engine potential and ensure fairness across the grid. The concerns underline the challenges in balancing technical regulations to maintain competitive equity without unintended loopholes.
This discussion around ADUO reflects ongoing efforts within Formula 1® to manage power unit development while preserving a level playing field. Binotto’s call for a rethink aims to refine the system so it supports genuine performance gaps rather than strategic manipulation.
The debate over ADUO highlights the complexities of regulating hybrid power units in a highly competitive environment, where measured performance does not always tell the full story. Audi’s position stresses the importance of transparent and equitable rules to maintain trust among manufacturers and teams.
