The FIA has defended its ADUO measurements while admitting weaknesses in a system central to policing Formula 1’s new 2026 power units.
The FIA has admitted there are weaknesses in Formula 1’s ADUO system, bringing further scrutiny to a central mechanism used to govern the series’ new 2026 power units.
Why ADUO matters
ADUO forms part of the regulatory framework that assesses power unit performance and decides whether manufacturers qualify for additional development opportunities.
Its measurements carry commercial and competitive weight. Extra freedom awarded through the system can influence how quickly an engine supplier addresses a deficit during the season.
The FIA defends its measurements
The FIA has defended how it measures performance despite accepting weaknesses in the system. The supplied reporting published on August 12 did not detail a replacement process or an immediate regulatory change.
The admission is still significant.
Formula 1 began 2026 under a new power unit formula, with greater emphasis on electrical energy alongside a turbocharged internal combustion engine. Comparing manufacturers accurately is complicated by car performance, energy management and each team’s installation choices.
A championship factor
Mercedes has won eight of the opening 11 Grands Prix. Kimi Antonelli has six victories, with George Russell taking two. Ferrari has won with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, while Lando Norris delivered McLaren’s first victory of 2026 in Hungary on July 26.
Those results do not offer a pure engine ranking. Mercedes supplies McLaren, but the customer team has struggled to extract the same apparent advantage, according to separate technical analysis published within the past 24 hours.
That distinction shows the scale of the FIA’s challenge. A power unit’s potential cannot be separated cleanly from the chassis carrying it.
Pressure before Zandvoort
The timing draws extra attention as Honda prepares a long-awaited power unit upgrade for the Dutch Grand Prix. Zandvoort will host round 12 from August 21 to 23, following Formula 1’s summer break.
Every manufacturer will monitor how the FIA applies ADUO during the second half, especially if upgrades alter the competitive order. The regulator must demonstrate that its process can separate an engine shortfall from weaknesses elsewhere in the package.
The next test arrives quickly
Zandvoort starts the second half before Formula 1 heads to Monza from September 4 to 6, where power unit performance will face a different test on the Italian circuit’s long straights.
