The Italian Formula 1 team, Scuderia Ferrari, is awaiting official FIA approval to use ADUO (Additional Design and Upgrade Opportunities).
The approval could allow Ferrari to introduce a new power unit. The team hopes the upgrade will help close the gap to Mercedes.
Ferrari wants to return to the fight for the constructors’ and drivers’ championships. However, the team first needs confirmation from the FIA.
Reports suggest Ferrari’s current engine sits more than 4% behind Mercedes. That gap could make Ferrari eligible for two possible mid-season power unit upgrades, according to Motorsport.com.
Ferrari could introduce its new power unit as early as the Austrian Grand Prix. The race takes place at the Red Bull Ring.
What is the ADUO?
The ADUO is a system that allows manufacturers to perform upgrades to their power units.
The FIA will monitor each team’s internal combustion engine (ICE) performance from 2026 to 2030 to determine who is eligible for a possible power unit upgrade.
This rule was introduced recently with the 2026 regulations, which will allow teams to close the engine gap with rivals.
The ADUO comes into play when a power unit’s ICE is 2% or more behind the best engine in the performance index.
If the power unit’s ICE is below 4%, the eligible team will be granted two possible upgrades in the current season with the ADUO. In this case, Ferrari might be eligible once the FIA officially confirms.
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