In a bid to ensure no single manufacturer enjoys a significant advantage under the new rules additional development will be allowed for those struggling.

The 2026 regulations overhaul is the most significant since 2014 and sees Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda joined by Red Bull (Ford) and Audi, with Cadillac set to enter in 2028.

Other than sustainable fuels becoming mandatory, the MGU-H is gone while electrical power is increased to 350kW.

Fearing a repeat of 2014, when for several seasons Mercedes had a clear performance advantage over it rivals, the FIA has introduced the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) concept.

Basically, after the 6th, 12th and 18th races of the season if a power unit is deemed to be performing significantly worse than average, the manufacturer can receive options such as homologation changes or increased development hours on test benches.

In addition, measures will be introduced to provide cost cap relief to a manufacturer which finds itself facing serious reliability issues that could be very damaging under the cost cap.

The ADUO was announced at this week's meeting of the World Motor Sport Council.

At the meeting the other changes to the 2026 technical regulations were approved relating to the survival cell, suspension and aerodynamic components.

Check out our Saturday gallery from COTA here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by RP, 15 minutes ago

"I suppose the draw for engine manufacturers to F1 is the opportunity to advance technology for application to road cars and, of course, publicity for the brand who has done the best job. We do see, since engine manufacturers supply more than one team, the difference in performance due to overall car design with the same engine. The FIA has done it's best to equalize that by changing the rules as they deem fit to dilute design excellence. While it can be boring with such an advantage for one team, over time the gap closes. It always does.
Recall the turbines at Indianapolis. When Colin Chapman became involved, the potential was revealed. So, of course, the rules were changed and the intake area was reduced to limit power produced. When Chapman's 4 wheel drive cars were on track to win, with a small part failure affecting both near the end of the race. So, we drduce the area again. The end for that engine. If Aston comes out of the gate on top, it's time to ban Adrian Newey from the sport. He harks back to what used to be called Roger Penske's "unfair advantage". Better ban Max too.
But, they're making money so who cares. Except, perhaps the fans."

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2. Posted by flyinglap, 18/10/2025 10:49

"How about as well instituting communism as the "official F1" political system, by the way? This is all nonsense, this is not free competition ("free" being the key word here)."

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3. Posted by Wokingchap, 18/10/2025 10:28

"Seems like a reasonable idea.... on the surface."

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FIA determined to ensure 2026 engine equality

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