The FIA is considering a change that could help F1 teams lagging behind

With those races not taking place in April, the Formula 1 calendar has for now been reduced from 24 to 22 races. Although there is still a slim chance the events will be rescheduled, GPblog can confirm that its implications for the regulations on engine development are being reviewed.

This specifically concerns the so-called ADUO system (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities), which determines how much development scope engine suppliers get during the season. Within that system there are multiple checkpoints at which the performance of the different engines is compared. Normally, the first evaluation takes place after six F1 races, but the FIA wants to bring that moment forward to accommodate engine manufacturers.

Due to the loss of the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, the evaluation would otherwise be pushed back. Whereas the evaluation was originally scheduled around the Miami Grand Prix, under the current situation it would not take place until after the Monaco weekend. That would mean a later assessment of the differences between engine manufacturers, which would be disadvantageous for Mercedes’ rivals.

To prevent engine manufacturers from having to wait until after the Monaco GP, the FIA intends to hold the evaluation earlier. Several options are being presented to the participating manufacturers for this. When the new timing will be is not yet decided.

Mercedes is currently considered the benchmark in the power unit department, which means competitors have an interest in a quicker adjustment to development opportunities.

Within the ADUO system, manufacturers who are more than two percent behind the best engine receive additional development opportunities. With a larger gap, those concessions increase further, including extra test hours and additional upgrade opportunities.