FIA Denies Extra Engine Upgrades After Third Review
The governing body said no further engine homologation opportunities will be offered following its third ADUO evaluation of the 2026 season.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Motorsports
The FIA completed its third ADUO evaluation and determined that no further engine homologation opportunities should be offered to manufacturers. The evaluation period concluded after the United States Grand Prix.
Why it matters
The ADUO system lets manufacturers trailing the leading power unit gain extra development chances, so closing the window shapes how competitive gaps can be narrowed this season. The FIA also indicated the rules may be revised in coming seasons.
Audi, Ferrari and Honda each received two extra homologation opportunities this year and two next year after falling more than 4% behind the leading unit. Mercedes received one extra upgrade this year and one next year after trailing by between 2% and 4%.
The players
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)
The FIA is the governing body of international motorsport, responsible for setting and enforcing the technical and sporting regulations of Formula One.
Red Bull-Ford
Red Bull-Ford is the Formula One power unit partnership that was found to have the top-performing engine in the first ADUO evaluation of the 2026 season.
Honda
Honda is a Japanese automaker and engine supplier competing in Formula One, which received extra homologation opportunities after falling more than 4% behind the leading power unit.
The details
The FIA reviewed power unit performance periodically through the season, comparing each manufacturer against the leading unit to determine eligibility for extra homologation chances. Following a May rule change allowing manufacturers 10% off the leading design to spend more, the third evaluation concluded after the United States Grand Prix with no further upgrades offered.
Timeline
Start of 2026 season to Canadian Grand Prix: first ADUO evaluation period, Red Bull-Ford found to have the top power unit.
May 2026: FIA revised ADUO rules to allow manufacturers 10% off the leader to spend more.
October 2026: third evaluation period concluded after the United States Grand Prix.
November 10, 2026: FIA announced no extra engine upgrades following the third evaluation.
Season Trajectory
The FIA's ADUO framework was designed to let engine makers trailing the leader catch up through extra development windows, and closing those windows this season reshapes the power balance heading into next year. The FIA's signal that the rules may be revised suggests the balance between competitive equalization and manufacturer spending remains under active review.
Mercedes gains one extra upgrade this year and one next year, while Audi, Ferrari and Honda each receive two in each season. With the window now closed, teams without these allowances will have to work within their existing power unit development for the remainder of the period.
The takeaway
The FIA's approach to balancing engine performance shows how regulators weigh competitive fairness against manufacturer spending, and the signal of future revisions means these rules remain a live issue for teams and fans to watch.
Further reading
Explore more reporting in the Motorsports section for context on Formula One engine regulations.
