The FIA has confirmed Mercedes will be granted one additional engine homologation upgrade in both 2026 and 2027 under the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system introduced this year for hybrid engines [1, 2, 3].
The ADUO mechanism assesses internal combustion engine (ICE) performance and awards upgrades if a manufacturer’s ICE trails the best ICE by at least 2% across review periods [1, 2, 3]. Mercedes’ ICE was measured to be between 2% and 4% slower than the best ICE, qualifying them for the homologations [1, 2, 3].
Red Bull’s power unit, co-developed with Ford and used by their teams in 2026, remains the benchmark as the best-performing ICE, despite Red Bull having no race wins this season [1, 3]. Electrical components, which contribute almost half of the power unit's total output, are excluded from ADUO calculations [2].
Audi, Ferrari, and Honda engines lagged more than 4% behind the best ICE, earning two homologations for each of 2026 and 2027 [1, 2, 3]. Mercedes engines power four teams, Ferrari engines power three, while Audi and Honda power one team each [1, 3].
After 12 races, Mercedes leads the championship by 87 points over Ferrari, with Red Bull trailing Mercedes by 239 points [1, 3]. The FIA published the latest ADUO findings on August 26, confirming the upgrade eligibility following a second review period concluded after the Hungarian Grand Prix in July, in which no further homologations were granted [1, 2, 3].
FIA’s single-seaters director Nikolas Tombazis said the data analysis was robust and thorough, providing high confidence in their conclusions [2]. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen said Red Bull was "a little bit surprised" by the news of Mercedes' upgrade allowances [1].
The next homologation opportunities and further ADUO reviews are expected during the 2027 season as part of ongoing engine performance assessments [1, 2, 3].
