Audi propose 'unique system' to change new major FIA lifeline

Audi boss Mattia Binotto has proposed a new "unique system" to change the FIA's ADUO system to reflect current chassis technical regulations. 

F1 is still awaiting formal communication from its governing body over which of the power unit manufacturers will receive Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities help - with those granted it allowed to bring upgrades to the otherwise homologated power unit designs.

The system currently works by the FIA measuring the Internal Combustion Engine performance from each of the five PUMs, with ADUO then awarded to the four deemed to be behind the benchmark unit. 

ADUO has been freshly introduced for the 2026 season, but Audi chief Binotto believes a new way of measuring engine performance could be created - using a basis which already exists for the chassis. 

Since 2021, teams have been awarded wind-tunnel and CFD time based on a sliding scale of performance, with the reigning constructors' champions receiving the least and the team which finishes last, the most. 

It is adjusted through the season to reflect the championship standings, with Binotto proposing that a similar idea be used for the power units to aid development for those behind the benchmark supplier. 

"We’ve got proper sensors on the car to measure the delta power. So, is the principle of the ADUO [being] based on the delta kilowatts the right approach? We may argue," Binotto told media, including RacingNews365.

"There is an ADUO as well for the chassis, which is called differently, but as a matter of fact, if you are behind on the standings, you’ve got more opportunity in wind tunnel timing, etcetera, and that’s a way for teams somehow to converge. 

"Now, when we discuss the power unit regulations, what would have been the way to assess it? It was decided pure kilowatts. Is that the right way to do it? We may argue again. 

"So maybe we should do something very similar to the chassis, where you base it on standings of the previous seasons, because if the purpose of convergence is to have a closer field, maybe that’s the most straightforward, and you would have a unique system framework between chassis and power units. 

"So, the best teams not having advantages, the slowest teams or slowest manufacturers to have some more opportunities. 

"But that’s the way the regulations are written today, and I think we need to fully trust the FIA. 

"I’m sure that the FIA has done the right assessment. What should we do for the future? Should we establish a different type of ranking? Maybe yes."