The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced a series of revisions to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations. The changes touch upon three key areas: the technical, financial, and operational rulebooks. A primary focus of the update is the adjustment of the ADUO system, which is designed to manage power unit performance convergence.
The modifications to the ADUO system were necessitated by an updated championship calendar. The FIA has restructured the three control periods used to assess manufacturer performance. Under the new schedule, the first period will now cover rounds one through five, the second spans rounds six to eleven, and the third encompasses rounds twelve to eighteen. This represents a shift from the previous distribution of rounds 1-6, 7-12, and 13-18. The governing body noted that this structure could be further revised if the calendar undergoes additional significant alterations.
A major development is the expansion of the support framework for power unit manufacturers. The FIA has introduced a new category for companies whose internal combustion engine (ICE) performance lags behind the benchmark by more than 10 percent. Previously, the maximum support tier was reserved for manufacturers with a deficit exceeding 8 percent.
Manufacturers falling into this new, expanded category will receive enhanced concessions across two domains. Operationally, they will be granted 230 additional hours of work on engine dynos, a substantial increase from the 190 hours previously allocated to the 8-10% deficit group. Financially, these companies will benefit from a larger reduction in their cost cap accounting, receiving an $11 million adjustment compared to the $8 million for the prior top tier.
Furthermore, in a one-time measure for the inaugural season of the new regulations in 2026, manufacturers with a deficit greater than 10% will be eligible for an additional financial bonus of $8 million. This specific concession is designed as a transitional aid and will require the benefiting manufacturer to undergo a reverse cost adjustment over the subsequent three-year period to compensate.
These regulatory tweaks are part of the FIA's ongoing efforts to ensure competitive balance and manage the transition to the new power unit era. The adjustments aim to provide a clearer pathway and increased support for manufacturers working to close the performance gap.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.