More Good News for Audi F1 as Team Gets More Chances to Close Its Engine Performance Gap

[Source: Sky Sports]

Audi’s first Formula 1 season has already produced some encouraging results. And the team has been on a roll lately with points in the last four races. But according to a Sky Sports report, the German manufacturer is in a position to improve their performance even more thanks to the FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities, or ADUO, performance reviews.

Under the ADUO system, manufacturers whose internal-combustion engines fall sufficiently behind the benchmark are permitted additional development opportunities. During the first review period, which covered the opening five rounds of the 2026 season, the FIA determined that Audi, Ferrari, and Honda were all more than four percent behind the benchmark combustion engine. As a result, each manufacturer was granted two additional homologation opportunities in 2026 and another two in 2027, along with additional dyno testing and cost-cap allowances.

Combustion Engine Performance

Despite Mercedes winning the opening six Grands Prix of the season, the FIA determined that Red Bull had the strongest combustion engine during the first assessment period. Mercedes fell between two and four percent behind and therefore received one additional homologation opportunity for 2026 and another for 2027. The results created controversy within the paddock, particularly because Mercedes was dominating races while Red Bull was struggling to score podiums. The FIA, however, says its analysis is based specifically on power-unit performance rather than overall vehicle performance.

For Audi, the additional development freedom could prove extremely valuable. Sky Sports reports that Audi, Ferrari, and Honda are each believed to have already introduced one of their two permitted 2026 upgrades. That would leave Audi with another opportunity to improve its combustion engine before the end of the season.

The second ADUO review, covering the period through the Hungarian Grand Prix, resulted in no additional homologation opportunities for any manufacturer. The third assessment period began with the Dutch Grand Prix and runs through the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1.

Audi may not have the strongest engine on the grid yet, but the rules give it something just as valuable, an opportunity to catch up. With four consecutive points finishes already providing momentum, another successful power-unit upgrade could help turn Audi’s promising first season into something considerably more competitive.