F1 Manufacturers Seek Engine Update Deadline Shift After Race Cancellations

FIA considers adjusting ADUO regulation timeline as Audi and Ferrari push for faster performance upgrades.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:37am

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The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix races due to ongoing Middle East conflicts has disrupted the Formula 1 engine development timeline. The ADUO regulation, which allows manufacturers to make in-season performance adjustments, is now impacted by the revised race calendar. The FIA is preparing to propose a shift in the ADUO deadline to accommodate the changes, which would benefit teams like Audi and Ferrari that are working to close the performance gap to frontrunner Mercedes.

Why it matters

The ADUO system is crucial for manufacturers playing catch-up, as it provides a mechanism to upgrade their engines throughout the season based on relative performance. The delayed start to the evaluation periods could disadvantage these teams, allowing Mercedes to maintain its lead. Adjusting the ADUO timeline is seen as necessary to ensure a more level playing field.

The details

The 2026 engine regulations include the ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) system, which allows manufacturers to make performance adjustments to their power units based on their relative performance. This is structured around four evaluation periods, each following six races. However, with the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, the sixth race will now occur much later in Monaco. This delay presents a challenge, as the ADUO system is crucial for teams like Audi and Ferrari to close the performance gap to Mercedes. Discussions are underway for the FIA to propose shifting the ADUO deadline to accommodate the revised calendar, which is expected to be accepted by most teams except Mercedes.

  • The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix races were cancelled due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
  • The sixth race of the 2026 season will now take place in Monaco in early June, significantly later than the originally scheduled Miami race in early April.

The players

FIA

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, the governing body of Formula 1 racing.

Mercedes

The current frontrunner in Formula 1 engine performance, expected to oppose changes to the ADUO regulation timeline.

Audi

A Formula 1 manufacturer that has openly acknowledged a performance deficit and is relying on the ADUO regulations to bridge the gap.

Ferrari

A Formula 1 manufacturer also expected to utilize the ADUO system for performance upgrades following the Chinese Grand Prix.

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What they’re saying

“We must act quickly to address the imbalance caused by the revised race calendar. The ADUO system is crucial for us to catch up to the frontrunners.”

— Markus Duesmann, CEO, Audi

“The delayed start to the ADUO evaluation periods is a concern, but we are confident the FIA will find a fair solution to ensure a level playing field.”

— Mattia Binotto, Team Principal, Ferrari

What’s next

The FIA is expected to propose a shift in the ADUO deadline to the Formula 1 Commission in the coming weeks. The decision will likely be made before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The disruption to the F1 race calendar has highlighted the importance of the ADUO system in allowing manufacturers to keep pace with the performance leaders. The FIA's willingness to adjust the regulation timeline demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a competitive and fair championship.