Mattia Binotto, the leader of Audi’s Formula 1 team, has asked the FIA to reconsider the ADUO update system, after irregularities were detected in engine improvements. This system has allowed some manufacturers, such as Mercedes, to take advantage of the current conditions, while others, like Red Bull, have been disadvantaged.
The Mercedes engine is considered the most powerful of 2026, helping the team win seven of the first nine races. However, the update system is done exclusively based on the characteristics of the V6 engine, leaving Red Bull out of improvement actions, as their engine has been labeled as the benchmark by the FIA.
Binotto’s concern lies in the fact that manufacturers like Mercedes and Ferrari could be holding back potential to exploit it in more favorable moments or periods. This has generated discontent within the Red Bull team, which has attempted to challenge the FIA’s decisions without success.
In an exclusive interview, Binotto explained that the update system would need a change. He believes that performance should be measured more effectively, as currently a car with an advantage might not need to extract all the potential from its engine.
Binotto highlighted that the ADUO was not designed to favor drivers with more powerful engines, but to provide an opportunity for those at a disadvantage. Its original objective was to support manufacturers that were struggling to compete at the highest level, ensuring a more balanced competition.
Audi has been a newcomer to Formula 1 and the ADUO system is part of the regulations designed to facilitate its adaptation. While Audi’s engines are not yet at the level of their competitors, they have started their competition with reasonable results, while others like Honda urgently need the recovery mechanism that the FIA implemented.
In summary, Binotto does not question the work done by the FIA, but believes that the system has lost sight of its initial purpose. The main issue is how to rebalance competition so that all manufacturers have the opportunity to improve their engines and ensure that races are fairer and more competitive.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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