The newly introduced ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) mechanism has completely upended the paddock, especially with the shock verdict from the first window.
Because Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled earlier this year, the FIA had to adjust the original 6-race assessment intervals. Here is exactly where the windows stand right now and who is making moves:
The Next ADUO Window
- Current Status: We have just closed Period 1 (which concluded at Round 5, the Canadian Grand Prix).
- The Next Window (Period 2): Runs from Round 6 through Round 11 (the Hungarian Grand Prix) in late July 2026.
- The Final Window (Period 3): Concludes at Round 18 (the Mexican Grand Prix).
Who is Submitting & Introducing Upgrades?
The first window’s ICE Performance Index threw a massive curveball: Red Bull-Ford’s DM01 engine was declared the grid’s benchmark combustion unit. Because Red Bull is the baseline, they receive zero development tokens or cost cap relief (and they are currently furious, forcing an FIA data check).
Everyone else fell outside the 2% safety buffer and is actively preparing or already introducing upgrades:
| Manufacturer | Deficit Tier | Upgrade Allowance | Current Status / Submission Plans |
| Ferrari | > 4% off | 2 Upgrades in 2026 / 2 in 2027 | Submitting now. Debuting their first major upgraded ADUO engine at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix, paired with a specialized new Shell fuel blend (expected to net 5–15 hp). |
| Audi | > 4% off | 2 Upgrades in 2026 / 2 in 2027 | Already submitted. Shocked the paddock by fast-tracking and running their upgraded unit early at the Barcelona GP. |
| Honda | > 4% off | 2 Upgrades in 2026 / 2 in 2027 | Planning submission. Eligible for maximum concessions (including the new $11M cost cap buffer for units > 10% off). Upgrades are in development for later this summer. |
| Mercedes | 2% – 4% off | 1 Upgrade in 2026 / 1 in 2027 | Holding. Despite dominating the actual race wins, their isolated ICE performance metrics grant them one token. They are holding their upgrade submission for later in the season. |
The Customer Team Catch
While Haas and Cadillac are technically eligible to run Ferrari’s new Austrian GP spec engine immediately, word in the paddock is both American squads will likely postpone the rollout. Packaging the upgraded unit requires tight chassis and cooling modifications that are tough to clear under their current tight budget restrictions before hitting the Red Bull Ring.
