Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has warned that FIA decisions regarding Additional Design and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) must not alter the competitive balance in Formula 1’s 2026 season.
Wolff expressed concern that any ADUO-related rulings could significantly impact the championship outcome, stressing the need for precision and transparency from the FIA’s governing body.
He emphasized that the principle behind ADUO should allow struggling teams to catch up without enabling them to leapfrog competitors, and that gamesmanship has no place in the process.
According to Wolff, only Honda currently requires additional support to close the performance gap with the leading power unit manufacturers.
Anthony Davidson has also warned the FIA to avoid ‘dangerous’ ADUO ‘games’ that teams might attempt to exploit to catch Mercedes.
Mercedes has won each of the first three races in the 2026 season, giving them a clear advantage at the top of the standings ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the Japanese Grand Prix to win back-to-back races and become the youngest-ever driver to lead the F1 title race.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has warned that FIA decisions regarding Additional Design and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) must not alter the competitive balance in Formula 1’s 2026 season.
Wolff expressed concern that any ADUO-related rulings could significantly impact the championship outcome, stressing the need for precision and transparency from the FIA’s governing body.
He emphasized that the principle behind ADUO should allow struggling teams to catch up without enabling them to leapfrog competitors, and that gamesmanship has no place in the process.
According to Wolff, only Honda currently requires additional support to close the performance gap with the leading power unit manufacturers.
Anthony Davidson has also warned the FIA to avoid ‘dangerous’ ADUO ‘games’ that teams might attempt to exploit to catch Mercedes.
Mercedes has won each of the first three races in the 2026 season, giving them a clear advantage at the top of the standings ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the Japanese Grand Prix to win back-to-back races and become the youngest-ever driver to lead the F1 title race.
