{"id":1893806,"date":"2026-04-20T11:17:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T08:17:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1893806"},"modified":"2026-04-20T11:17:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T08:17:11","slug":"mercedes-highlights-fears-over-aduo-gamesmanship-by-f1-rivals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1893806","title":{"rendered":"Mercedes highlights fears over ADUO \u201cgamesmanship\u201d by F1 rivals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Mercedes highlights fears over ADUO \u201cgamesmanship\u201d by F1 rivals<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Mercedes believes F1&#8217;s ADUO should not be used as a means for rivals to &#8220;leapfrog&#8221; it in the competitive order<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Adam Cooper <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-20T12:17:11+01:00\">20 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Mercedes, Ferrari at the 2026 Japanese GP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Toto Wolff has expressed reservations about potential \u201cgamesmanship\u201d by rival Formula 1 power unit manufacturers who may try to use ADUO upgrades to gain a competitive advantage.<\/p>\n<p>The ADUO, or Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities, process was added to the regulations last October as a sort of a safety net to allow manufacturers who lagged behind in the early stages of the new rule set a chance to catch up, after careful study of the relevant data.<\/p>\n<p>The FIA noted that the intention as \u201cto provide greater development opportunities for PU manufacturers who find themselves significantly behind their competition in terms of performance,\u201d with the first round of changes to happen after race six, which following the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian cancellations is now the Monaco GP.<\/p>\n<p>Further reviews are due after races 12 and 18.<\/p>\n<p>The three main elements of potential help are additional possibilities to change the homologation of the PU, cost cap relief, and dyno development hours.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>While the original aim was to help anyone who was clearly struggling \u2013 with Honda currently the most obvious candidate \u2013 even Ferrari has been lobbying for an ADUO break.<\/p>\n<p>The team has shown itself capable of running at the front and has pushed Mercedes hard, but it understood to believe that the data indicates it is eligible for some extra help.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6070079a423b7bc84e3d9c3688d34f1dacf0d2c13d24d80cfc7eff5bd7fa76ad\">  Wolff sounds vital F1 warning over proposed tweaks to 2026 rules   Surprise safety admission from beneficiary of banned F1 engine trick <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Wolff made it clear that any benefits handed to a manufacturer should not give them a chance to move up the order.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe principle of the ADUO was to allow teams that were on the back foot in terms of the power unit to catch up, but not to leapfrog,\u201d he said on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd it needs to be very clear that whatever decisions are being made, whatever whichever team is granted ADUO that any such decision may have a big impact on the performance picture and on the championship, if not done with absolute precision and clarity and transparency.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-41a1146761025852b2a7230e543408fdb7fc3bcbcd1d9c099969641da2615ec1\">  FIA president issues statement before crunch F1 2026 rules meeting   Has the dynamic between F1\u2019s early title protagonists shifted? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt needs to be clear that gamesmanship hasn&#8217;t got any place here, but it needs to be with the right spirit here that the FAA acts upon an ADUO. And of course, the teams will have their performance pictures.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd as it seems for me, there&#8217;s one engine manufacturer that has a problem, and we need to help, and then all the others are pretty much in the same ballpark.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I would be very surprised actually and disappointed if ADUO decisions that were done would come up with any interferences into the competitive pecking order as it stands at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked if he was worried that Ferrari could gain an advantage and potentially get ahead he said: \u201cI wouldn&#8217;t call it worried. I think we are all monitoring how decisions are being made. And we have precise data from our own analytics of where we see engine performance of our competitors and ourselves.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn that respect, I think the FIA is looking at the same data, and the FIA certainly I would very much hope continue to see themselves as protecting the integrity of the sport, because you don&#8217;t want to allow an ADUO to a team that suddenly leapfrogs someone.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe ADUO was always meant as a catch-up mechanism, and not as a leapfrog mechanism.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Toto Wolff warns F1 rule tweaks must change &#8220;with scalpel, not a baseball bat\u201d<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1398480_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1398480_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1398480_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1398480_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1398480_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1398480_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1398480_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1398480_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1398480_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-1f5cbb84a66488834bd0e4a33d6b07ad1177167a9108f9f5d66f15145a95a378\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/ac-2.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Adam Cooper<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Journalist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Adam Cooper attended his first F1 race at Brands Hatch as a 10-year-old fan in 1976. He became a freelance journalist for Autosport magazine in 1985 while still at university, initially covering everything from club racing to the FIA World Sportscar Championship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-598c8d30472afc24f24b2597b3743257e2288bdbecff2d9377e957ec50799c98\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>George Russell backs F1 to survive possible Max Verstappen exit<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776510000\"> 18\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202510040588.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Russell would understand if Verstappen quit F1 \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Stronger, more in control&#8221;: F1&#8217;s surprise points leader reflects on storming 2026 start<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776434817\"> 17\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404667_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, 2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Revealed: The &#8220;two headline points&#8221; F1 drivers want from rule changes<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776425111\"> 17\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403954_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Qualifying is an area F1 drivers want improving \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Rare Abu Dhabi 2021 defence made for \u2018scapegoat\u2019 Michael Masi<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776417837\"> 17\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1126213_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen beat Hamilton to the 2021 world title in a controversial finish\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Russell reveals \u2018behind the scenes\u2019 work to fix Mercedes\u2019 big weakness<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776327067\"> 16\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403825_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Russell is second in the world championship \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>George Russell wants to see iconic F1 track return to the calendar<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776256560\"> 15\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1402915_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Russell, Mercedes, F1, 2026, Japan\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Mercedes believes F1&#8217;s ADUO should not be used as a means for rivals to &#8220;leapfrog&#8221; it in the competitive order<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Toto Wolff has expressed reservations about potential \u201cgamesmanship\u201d by rival Formula 1 power unit manufacturers who may try to use ADUO upgrades to gain a competitive advantage.<\/p>\n<p>The ADUO, or Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities, process was added to the regulations last October as a sort of a safety net to allow manufacturers who lagged behind in the early stages of the new rule set a chance to catch up, after careful study of the relevant data.<\/p>\n<p>The FIA noted that the intention as \u201cto provide greater development opportunities for PU manufacturers who find themselves significantly behind their competition in terms of performance,\u201d with the first round of changes to happen after race six, which following the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian cancellations is now the Monaco GP.<\/p>\n<p>Further reviews are due after races 12 and 18.<\/p>\n<p>The three main elements of potential help are additional possibilities to change the homologation of the PU, cost cap relief, and dyno development hours.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>While the original aim was to help anyone who was clearly struggling \u2013 with Honda currently the most obvious candidate \u2013 even Ferrari has been lobbying for an ADUO break.<\/p>\n<p>The team has shown itself capable of running at the front and has pushed Mercedes hard, but it understood to believe that the data indicates it is eligible for some extra help.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6070079a423b7bc84e3d9c3688d34f1dacf0d2c13d24d80cfc7eff5bd7fa76ad\">  Wolff sounds vital F1 warning over proposed tweaks to 2026 rules   Surprise safety admission from beneficiary of banned F1 engine trick <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Wolff made it clear that any benefits handed to a manufacturer should not give them a chance to move up the order.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe principle of the ADUO was to allow teams that were on the back foot in terms of the power unit to catch up, but not to leapfrog,\u201d he said on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd it needs to be very clear that whatever decisions are being made, whatever whichever team is granted ADUO that any such decision may have a big impact on the performance picture and on the championship, if not done with absolute precision and clarity and transparency.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-41a1146761025852b2a7230e543408fdb7fc3bcbcd1d9c099969641da2615ec1\">  FIA president issues statement before crunch F1 2026 rules meeting   Has the dynamic between F1\u2019s early title protagonists shifted? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt needs to be clear that gamesmanship hasn&#8217;t got any place here, but it needs to be with the right spirit here that the FAA acts upon an ADUO. And of course, the teams will have their performance pictures.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd as it seems for me, there&#8217;s one engine manufacturer that has a problem, and we need to help, and then all the others are pretty much in the same ballpark.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I would be very surprised actually and disappointed if ADUO decisions that were done would come up with any interferences into the competitive pecking order as it stands at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked if he was worried that Ferrari could gain an advantage and potentially get ahead he said: \u201cI wouldn&#8217;t call it worried. I think we are all monitoring how decisions are being made. And we have precise data from our own analytics of where we see engine performance of our competitors and ourselves.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn that respect, I think the FIA is looking at the same data, and the FIA certainly I would very much hope continue to see themselves as protecting the integrity of the sport, because you don&#8217;t want to allow an ADUO to a team that suddenly leapfrogs someone.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe ADUO was always meant as a catch-up mechanism, and not as a leapfrog mechanism.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Toto Wolff has expressed reservations about potential \u201cgamesmanship\u201d by rival Formula 1 power unit manufacturers who may try to use ADUO upgrades to gain a competitive advantage.<\/p>\n<p>The ADUO, or Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities, process was added to the regulations last October as a sort of a safety net to allow manufacturers who lagged behind in the early stages of the new rule set a chance to catch up, after careful study of the relevant data.<\/p>\n<p>The FIA noted that the intention as \u201cto provide greater development opportunities for PU manufacturers who find themselves significantly behind their competition in terms of performance,\u201d with the first round of changes to happen after race six, which following the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian cancellations is now the Monaco GP.<\/p>\n<p>Further reviews are due after races 12 and 18.<\/p>\n<p>The three main elements of potential help are additional possibilities to change the homologation of the PU, cost cap relief, and dyno development hours.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>While the original aim was to help anyone who was clearly struggling \u2013 with Honda currently the most obvious candidate \u2013 even Ferrari has been lobbying for an ADUO break.<\/p>\n<p>The team has shown itself capable of running at the front and has pushed Mercedes hard, but it understood to believe that the data indicates it is eligible for some extra help.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6070079a423b7bc84e3d9c3688d34f1dacf0d2c13d24d80cfc7eff5bd7fa76ad\">  Wolff sounds vital F1 warning over proposed tweaks to 2026 rules   Surprise safety admission from beneficiary of banned F1 engine trick <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Wolff made it clear that any benefits handed to a manufacturer should not give them a chance to move up the order.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe principle of the ADUO was to allow teams that were on the back foot in terms of the power unit to catch up, but not to leapfrog,\u201d he said on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd it needs to be very clear that whatever decisions are being made, whatever whichever team is granted ADUO that any such decision may have a big impact on the performance picture and on the championship, if not done with absolute precision and clarity and transparency.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-41a1146761025852b2a7230e543408fdb7fc3bcbcd1d9c099969641da2615ec1\">  FIA president issues statement before crunch F1 2026 rules meeting   Has the dynamic between F1\u2019s early title protagonists shifted? <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt needs to be clear that gamesmanship hasn&#8217;t got any place here, but it needs to be with the right spirit here that the FAA acts upon an ADUO. And of course, the teams will have their performance pictures.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd as it seems for me, there&#8217;s one engine manufacturer that has a problem, and we need to help, and then all the others are pretty much in the same ballpark.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I would be very surprised actually and disappointed if ADUO decisions that were done would come up with any interferences into the competitive pecking order as it stands at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Asked if he was worried that Ferrari could gain an advantage and potentially get ahead he said: \u201cI wouldn&#8217;t call it worried. I think we are all monitoring how decisions are being made. And we have precise data from our own analytics of where we see engine performance of our competitors and ourselves.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn that respect, I think the FIA is looking at the same data, and the FIA certainly I would very much hope continue to see themselves as protecting the integrity of the sport, because you don&#8217;t want to allow an ADUO to a team that suddenly leapfrogs someone.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cThe ADUO was always meant as a catch-up mechanism, and not as a leapfrog mechanism.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1093236\/1\/mercedes-highlights-fears-over-aduo-gamesmanship-f1-rivals&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Mercedes highlights fears over ADUO \u201cgamesmanship\u201d by F1 rivals Mercedes believes F1&#8217;s ADUO should not be used as a means for rivals to &#8220;leapfrog&#8221; it in the competitive order Adam Cooper 20 Apr 2026 Share Mercedes, Ferrari at the 2026 Japanese GP \u00a9\u00a0XPB Images Add as a preferred source Toto Wolff has [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1893806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1893806","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1893806"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1893806\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1893806"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1893806"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1893806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}