FIA make key decision affecting Red Bull for start of 2027 F1 season

Red Bull-Ford will enter the 2027 Formula 1 season without additional power unit development allowances after the FIA confirmed that its latest ADUO assessment has resulted in no further upgrades being granted.

The decision leaves Red Bull, which was surprisingly identified as the benchmark for internal combustion engine (ICE) performance earlier this year, without the additional homologation opportunities awarded to rival manufacturers.

The FIA has completed its third Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) review of 2026, covering races 12 to 18, with the findings communicated to all five power unit manufacturers.

Although the governing body confirmed that the performance gaps between the manufacturers had changed, no additional homologations were awarded.

It marks the second consecutive review without any further upgrades being granted, leaving the existing allocations unchanged heading into 2027.

Red Bull-Ford's position as the benchmark came as a shock earlier in the campaign, particularly given Mercedes' dominance under the new regulations and Red Bull's status as a first-year engine manufacturer.

However, the FIA's assessment measures ICE performance rather than the complete hybrid power unit, with Red Bull emerging as the benchmark in the opening assessments.

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How does ADUO work?

Introduced for 2026, ADUO allows manufacturers whose internal combustion engines fall at least two per cent below the leading ICE to undertake additional development.

Manufacturers between two and four per cent behind qualify for one additional homologation in the current season and another the following year, alongside an increased cost cap and dynamometer testing allowances.

Those at least four per cent behind qualify for two additional homologations in each season.

Following the first review, which concluded after the Canadian Grand Prix, Mercedes was placed in the two-to-four per cent category, earning one additional upgrade for 2026 and another for 2027.

Audi, Ferrari and Honda were all more than four per cent behind, qualifying for two additional homologations in each season.

Red Bull received no additional allowances, while the second review, completed after the Hungarian Grand Prix, also produced no further allocations.

The latest findings therefore leave those original allowances intact for 2027, with Red Bull still without any extra development opportunities under ADUO.

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis defended the assessment process, saying the governing body was confident in its conclusions.

He also acknowledged that discussions were ongoing with manufacturers and teams over potential refinements to the system.

"The FIA has undertaken extensive analysis as part of the review of ADUO this year. Based on the quality of the data and the robustness of the assessment process, we are confident in our findings and the conclusions reached," he said.

"The first year of implementation has also reinforced our belief that the ADUO concept is the right one for Formula 1. However, it is important that the system continues to evolve to ensure it remains efficient, relevant and fit for purpose. To that end, we have been working closely with the Power Unit Manufacturers and teams to explore refinements to the methodology that will support the continued effectiveness of ADUO in future seasons."

The next ADUO review will cover the opening six rounds of the 2027 season, beginning in Bahrain and concluding in Miami.