Formula 1 has not yet decided when it will apply a new technical mechanism created by the FIA. Ferrari pointed out a deadlock that prevents the implementation of the ADUO system, aimed at balancing the performance of power units.
The model, called ‘Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities’, was developed to allow updates on engines that are behind the leader in performance. However, disagreements about when the rule should come into effect have delayed its application.
According to Ferrari’s boss, Fred Vasseur, the main doubt involves the counting of races on the calendar: “The situation is quite clear, and the only open point may be that we said it would be valid after the sixth race. The question is whether this refers to the original calendar or the current one,” he explained.
The regulation provides that manufacturers up to 2% behind the best engine can make one update this season and another in 2027. Those with performance 4% lower will be entitled to two updates per year during this period.
The uncertainty gained strength after changes in the calendar, with the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia rounds, which altered the original sequence of the season. Initially, the application would occur after the Miami GP, but now the expectation is that it will only come into effect after the Monaco GP in June.
Vasseur stated that the technical criteria of the system are clear, including performance parameters and usage limits on the dynamometer. He reinforced confidence in the FIA to provide the necessary data soon: “We need to trust the FIA, they will bring us the numbers. In the end, we are talking about small differences, and we know it is not simple to measure this precisely,” concluded the head of the Italian team.
