Formula 1 and the FIA have agreed more mechanisms to allow any engine manufacturer struggling with the 2026 rules to address their issues.
Next year will see the introduction of complex new power units that increase the influence of the battery and hybrid system, a move that has seen Audi join and Honda return after an earlier decision to leave the sport. Ford will also work with Red Bull Powertrains, while Cadillac will develop its own powerplant by 2029, but the new regulations could lead to a wide spread in initial performance.
At a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, changes to the power unit’s financial and operating regulations were approved by the FIA, F1, teams and manufacturers, to prevent an engine from becoming particularly uncompetitive.
“The most important of these changes related to the ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) concept, which aims to provide greater development opportunities to PU manufacturers that are significantly behind the competition in performance,” the FIA announced.
“Performance will be measured continuously between all Power Units, and after Races 6, 12 and 18, ADUO may be assigned to address such situation, with the following provisions:
- Additional options to change the homologation of the Power Unit
- Additional cost reduction
- Extra development hours on the PU test benches
In addition to opening up these options for performance reasons, the World Motor Sport Council has also approved measures to alleviate the cost cap “to a PU manufacturer that could face serious reliability issues that could otherwise be very damaging under the cost cap.”
All changes were approved at a time when the FIA and Formula 1 were both speaking positively about working together to improve the sport in the future, while work continued on the FIA part of the Concorde Agreement.
“As we continue our positive discussions with FOM and the teams to conclude the new agreement, together we have the opportunity to make history,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“Our close collaboration will enable the championship to continue to grow globally, attract an ever-increasing number of fans and create a future where the FIA can consolidate its role as regulator. Our priorities are to continue to improve safety in all our single-seater series, supporting the pathway for young drivers and ultimately seeing our beloved sport grow.”
“My thanks to Stefano Domenicali and his team, and representatives of all parties, as we work towards the conclusion.”
Domenicali himself echoed Ben Sulayem’s comments, saying the two sides have increased cooperation in 2025.
“Thanks to the FIA, volunteers and ASNs (national governing bodies) for all their commitment and efforts,” said Domenicali. “This is an incredible moment, with our two roles working with clarity towards a strong future. We have built good momentum and made great progress in recent months to ensure good governance for the sustainability and wellbeing of the sport.”
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