Formula 1 and the FIA have agreed more mechanisms to allow any power unit manufacturer struggling under the 2026 regulations to address their issues.
Next year brings the introduction of complex new power units introduced that increase the influence of the battery and hybrid system, in a move that has led to Audi entering and Honda returning after a previous decision to leave the sport. Ford will also partner with Red Bull Powertrains, while Cadillac is set to develop its own power unit for 2029, but the new regulations could lead to a wide spread of initial performance.
In a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, changes to the power unit financial and operational regulations were approved among the FIA, F1, the teams and manufacturers, to try and prevent an engine becoming locked into being particularly uncompetitive.
“The most significant of these changes related to the ADUO concept (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities), which is intended to provide greater development opportunities for PU manufacturers who find themselves significantly behind their competition in terms of performance,” the FIA announced.
“Performance will be measured between all Power Units continuously, and after Races 6, 12 and 18 ADUO could be allocated to address such a situation, providing:
- Additional possibilities to change the homologation of the Power Unit
- Additional cost cap relief
- Additional development hours on the PU test benches
As well as those options being opened up for performance reasons, the World Motor Sport Council also approved measures to provide cost cap relief “to a PU Manufacturer who could find themselves facing serious reliability issues, that could otherwise be very damaging under the cost cap.”
All of the changes were approved at a time when the FIA and Formula 1 both spoke positively of the collaboration to try and improve the sport in future, with the FIA’s part of the Concorde Agreement still being worked on.
“As we continue our positive discussions with FOM and the teams to conclude the new agreement, together we have the chance to make history,” FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said.
“Our close collaboration will enable the championship to continue to grow globally, attracting an ever-increasing numbers of fans and delivering a future that will enable the FIA to consolidate its role as the regulator. Our priorities are to continue to improve safety across all our single seater series, support the pathway for young drivers and ultimately to see our beloved sport grow.
“My thanks to Stefano Domenicali and his team, and representatives from all parties, as we build towards conclusion.”
Domenicali himself echoed Ben Sulayem’s comments, saying the two sides have worked more cooperatively during 2025.
“Thanks to FIA and volunteers and ASNs (national governing bodies) for all their commitment and effort,” Domenicali said. “This is an incredible moment, with our two roles working with clarity towards a strong future. We have built good momentum over the past few months and made great progress to ensure sound governance for the sustainability and well-being of the sport.”
