Several Formula 1 cars competing in a race on a paved circuit — FIA seeks to equalize engine performance | La Derecha Diario

Camara — FIA seeks to equalize engine performance | La Derecha Diario

F1 will implement a system to equalize engines in case of disparity

The organization will implement a system of concessions so that lagging manufacturers can close the gap with dominant teams

13/08/2025 12:00:00h

Editorial Team

Starting in 2026, Formula 1 will undergo one of the greatest technical revolutions of the past 50 years, with deep changes in chassis and engine regulations. The goal is to modernize the category and increase the spectacle, but also to prevent a scenario like 2014 from repeating, when Mercedes dominated widely thanks to its engine.

Nikolas Tombazis, head of single-seaters at the FIA, explained that the new generation of power units will be simpler, with the elimination of the costly and differentiating MGU-H, and that a concessions system called ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) will be implemented.

Man with glasses and a white jersey speaking at a Formula 1 press conference with a microphone in his hand and a race car in the background

Tombazis commented that the MGU-H will be eliminated and the ADUO will be implemented | La Derecha Diario

This mechanism will allow manufacturers with lower performance to access more development budget, extra hours on the test bench, and the possibility to re-homologate their engine.

The regulations state that, after the first five races of each season, the performance of the internal combustion engines (ICE) will be evaluated. If a manufacturer's average power is more than 3% lower than that of the best engine, it will be able to access additional upgrades to close the gap.

Three Formula 1 cars racing on a paved track

To use the ADUO, it is necessary to have at least a 3% difference from the best engine | La Derecha Diario

Additionally, Tombazis emphasized that this is not a Balance of Performance, since everyone will compete under the same rules and without artificial adjustments to power or fuel. Additionally, the FIA is working on measures to assist manufacturers facing serious reliability issues, preventing them from spending a large part of their budget on replacing broken engines.

In Tombazis's words, this approach seeks to maintain competitiveness and the value of the spectacle, ensuring that no team gains an unassailable advantage and that everyone has a real chance to compete in the new era of Formula 1.

➡️ Argentina