The FIA has confirmed it will conduct a review following concerns raised by Red Bull over the way a key ADUO upgrades decision was reached.
The additional development and upgrade opportunities system, known as ADUO, was introduced by the FIA at the start of 2026 to assist struggling power unit manufacturers following the sweeping regulations overhaul.
ADUO was designed to give manufacturers extra opportunities and budget to develop their power units, with performance calculations scheduled after races six, twelve, and eighteen.
The first ADUO window produced a result that surprised many in the paddock, with the data revealing that Red Bull-Ford possesses the strongest power unit of the 2026 season.
Despite Mercedes winning all but one grand prix in 2026, the manufacturer was only awarded one upgrade homologation under the ADUO framework, prompting immediate questions from Red Bull about data collection.
Ferrari, Honda, and Audi were each granted two upgrade homologations, having been ruled to be at least four per cent adrift of Red Bull’s power unit benchmark.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls, the only two teams using the Red Bull power unit, currently sit fourth and sixth respectively in the constructors’ standings, adding further fuel to the dispute.
The FIA has now confirmed to GPFans that a review into the methodology and data collected during the opening races of the season will take place following Red Bull’s complaints.
Crucially, the current ADUO ruling remains in force during the review period, meaning development opportunities for Mercedes, Honda, Audi, and Ferrari have not been halted or suspended.
Further evaluations of the ADUO process are formally scheduled to take place following the Hungarian and Mexican Grands Prix later in the season.
The FIA has also confirmed that the final results and full methodology from the first ADUO assessment period will be published in full by F1’s governing body.
Should Red Bull’s challenge succeed and it be confirmed they do not actually hold the benchmark power unit status, Mercedes would likely be declared the fastest, stripping them of future upgrade opportunities.
Such an outcome would see Ferrari retain their two homologation tokens for both 2026 and 2027, representing a significant boost for Lewis Hamilton and his championship ambitions.
The situation remains highly complex, particularly given that Mercedes are already understood to be working on upgrades under the current ruling, meaning any reversal could create significant complications for the championship battle ahead.