FIA confirms Mercedes engine upgrades despite Red Bull complaints

The FIA has confirmed Mercedes are eligible for engine upgrades under the new ADUO system, a decision Red Bull had protested. The findings from the first two review periods show Mercedes can develop, while no new upgrades were granted in the second period.

Why it matters:

The ADUO system lets manufacturers trailing the leading engine catch up. Red Bull had the strongest engine after five rounds, yet Mercedes won all six races, making the ruling controversial.

The details:

• First period: Mercedes were 2-4% behind, earning one extra homologation in 2026 and 2027, plus cost cap and dyno testing increases.
• Ferrari, Audi, Honda were over 4% back, getting two additional homologations per year.
• Second period: No upgrades were granted, so Red Bull remain within 2% or ahead.
• Championship: Mercedes lead by 87 points, with Kimi Antonelli 59 clear in the drivers' race. Max Verstappen is sixth, 130 points off.

What's next:

Mercedes haven't used their upgrade yet; Ferrari, Audi and Honda have each used one. The third review period runs from the Dutch GP to Mexico City on November 1. FIA's Nikolas Tombazis called the analysis "incredibly robust".