Full Breakdown
Ferrari Deploys First ADUO Engine Upgrade at the Austrian Grand Prix
6/25/2026, 9:28:52 PM
First ADUO Upgrade at Spielberg
Ferrari will run an upgraded internal-combustion engine (ICE) at the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix, its first use of an ADUO token. The Red Bull Ring’s long straights make engine performance especially critical.
Background & ADUO Mechanism
The FIA’s ADUO system grants manufacturers whose ICEs lag the benchmark by over 4 % two tokens in 2026 (and two more in 2027). Red Bull Powertrains is the benchmark; Ferrari’s unit was 4-6 % slower, qualifying it for two upgrades.
Technical Details & Expected Gains
Estimates give the upgrade 4-5 hp from ICE refinements and 2-3 hp from a new Shell fuel blend. The turbo’s size stays unchanged; a later ADUO token will target a redesigned turbo for up to 30 hp.
Why It Matters
Ferrari trails the benchmark by 40-45 hp. Even a modest 5-8 hp gain can improve acceleration on the Red Bull Ring’s long straights, broaden the car’s setup window and help title-contending drivers close the gap to rivals.
Official Statements & Responses
Ferrari power-unit director Enrico Gualtieri said the upgrade will not alone change the competitive order and emphasized that performance is built progressively through hardware and race-by-race optimisation. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff warned that rivals have gained ground quickly and that Mercedes must improve performance and reliability.
Criticism & Opposition
Red Bull Powertrains boss Laurent Mekies argued the FIA’s ADUO data does not prove Red Bull-Ford has the strongest ICE. McLaren driver Lando Norris warned that any Ferrari engine gain could let the team “embarrass everyone,” highlighting concerns about a shift in the competitive balance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Power-gain estimates differ: FIA data suggest 5-8 hp, some outlets report 7-8 hp, while others claim only five horsepower. Deployment timing is disputed—some expect the upgrade from FP1, others suggest waiting until FP3 for reliability. The second ADUO upgrade’s venue is cited as Monza, Zandvoort or the Italian Grand Prix, and FIA approval is still pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This update is not a major step, and it will not on its own change the competitive order,” — Enrico Gualtieri, Ferrari Power Unit Technical Director
- “Performance is built progressively, not only through hardware changes, but also through how effectively you optimise the package race by race.” — Enrico Gualtieri
- “We’re lucky that Ferrari doesn’t have a better engine at the minute. If they had a better engine, they’re dominating. They’re the class of the field in terms of cornering performance at the minute. We’re not even close to them. If they make improvements on the engine side, then they’ll embarrass everyone.” — Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
What’s Next
Ferrari plans a second ADUO upgrade, centred on a redesigned turbocharger, for either Monza or Zandvoort after the summer break. Combined, the two upgrades aim to recover up to 30 hp, narrowing the 40-45 hp gap to the benchmark and potentially reshaping the second half of the championship.
