ADUO: F1 Engine Upgrade Rule Set to Shape 2026 Season
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- FIA grants ADUO upgrades to manufacturers lagging by ≥2% of the leading ICE, with one upgrade for 2‑4% gaps and two for ≥4% gaps.
- Aston Martin can use ADUO to upgrade its struggling Honda power unit, aiming to climb from the back of the field.
- Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur says ADUO offers a chance to close the performance gap to Mercedes.
- Mercedes chief Toto Wolff urges the FIA to limit ADUO upgrades to preserve the current pecking order.
- Audi may also benefit from ADUO if its ICE falls ≥2% behind Mercedes, according to the regulation's tiered upgrade system.
Why it matters: Aston Martin gains upgrade chances; Mercedes retains benchmark; ADUO’s 2% performance gap triggers up to two upgrades during the 2026 season, reshaping the competitive hierarchy and sponsor payouts.
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