FIA confirms Red Bull-Ford as F1 engine benchmark, hands out ADUO allowances

The FIA has confirmed that Red Bull-Ford Powertrains remains the benchmark for combustion engine performance in Formula 1, after the second review period covering the Australian through Hungarian Grands Prix. In an unchanged result from Period 1, Mercedes, Audi, Ferrari and Honda will all receive Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO), with the governing body now revealing the extent for each manufacturer.

Why it matters:

With engine development largely frozen during the season, ADUO credits represent the only way for manufacturers to improve their power units. Red Bull-Ford's continued dominance in the internal combustion area could give it a decisive edge on power-sensitive circuits, shaping the 2026 championship battle.

The details:

• Measurements were taken from each power unit's internal combustion element, with Red Bull-Ford again setting the benchmark. The FIA made the announcement via a statement on social media.
• Mercedes will be allowed one additional PU homologation in 2026 and another in 2027.
• Audi, Ferrari and Honda will be allowed two additional homologations in 2026 and two in 2027, based on the first two periods' analysis.
• Red Bull-Ford received no ADUO, as it is considered the reference point.
• The third ADUO review period will cover Races 12–18, from the Netherlands to Mexico City.

What's next:

The ADUO system continues to shape the engine landscape as the first season of the new regulations unfolds. Attention will now turn to how the affected manufacturers utilize these opportunities, and whether Red Bull-Ford can maintain its advantage through the next review window. The FIA is expected to release more information in due course.