FIA considers rule change after Bahrain, Saudi GP cancellations

The FIA is reportedly considering adjustments to the Formula 1 engine development rules after the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix shifted a key performance evaluation timeline, a change that could disadvantage manufacturers chasing front-runner Mercedes.

Why it matters:

The timing of technical evaluations directly impacts a team's ability to develop and upgrade its power unit within a strictly regulated framework. A delay in this schedule can lock performance deficits for longer, affecting the competitive balance and the ability of rivals to close the gap to the benchmark engine.

The details:

• The cancellations reduced the calendar from 24 to 22 races, moving a crucial sixth-race engine assessment from the Miami GP to Monaco.
• This assessment is part of the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system, which grants extra development resources to manufacturers based on performance gaps.
• The system uses a Performance Index to evaluate power unit output across four observation periods each season.
• Manufacturers lagging the leading power unit by over 2% qualify for extra upgrade allowances, dyno hours, and relaxed budget caps.
• With engines largely homologated (frozen), the ADUO system is a critical, regulated pathway for in-season performance gains.

What's next:

The FIA is expected to propose revised assessment deadlines to align with the updated 22-race calendar. While Mercedes, as the current benchmark, benefits from the original timeline, the proposal will require approval from all power unit manufacturers. Given the exceptional circumstances of the race cancellations and that only Mercedes would likely oppose it, the change is expected to pass, offering chasing teams a fairer development timeline.