{"id":1896643,"date":"2026-04-22T11:07:39","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T08:07:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896643"},"modified":"2026-04-22T11:07:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T08:07:39","slug":"dangerous-path-warning-issued-over-new-f1-2026-engine-upgrades-rule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1896643","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Dangerous path\u2019 warning issued over new F1 2026 engine upgrades rule"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_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>\u2018Dangerous path\u2019 warning issued over new F1 2026 engine upgrades rule<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>F1 has been handed a stark warning about 2026 engine upgrade rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-22T12:07:39+01:00\">22 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_1404714_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_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 is wary its rivals could be playing games<\/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>Formula 1 could find itself \u201cgoing down a dangerous path\u201d if it does not handle a new rule around engine upgrade opportunities carefully, Anthony Davidson has warned.<\/p>\n<p>As part of the 2026 power unit regulations, manufactures judged to be at least two percent behind the best-performing engine will be granted Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO).<\/p>\n<p>F1\u2019s governing body the FIA is yet to announce which manufacturers have qualified for the first upgrade opportunity, with a decision expected to come ahead of the next race, the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.<\/p>\n<p>Former F1 driver Davidson fears it could result in the series effectively adopting a Balance of Performance (BoP) &#8211; a controversial mechanism used in other motorsport categories to equalise performance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cReally what we don\u2019t want this to turn into is a Balance of Performance. I don\u2019t think that really has a place in Formula 1,\u201d Davidson said on the Sky Sports F1 Show podcast.<\/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>\u201cI think it should be about who are the best engineers, who can use their money the most wisely. The cost cap, in effect, is F1\u2019s Balance of Performance. Everyone has the same pot to play with and may the best engineering team win.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs it stands at the moment, it seems Mercedes\u2019 power units have done the best job. But it\u2019s a complex one this year, because you\u2019ve got the whole electric motor side of things and the battery integration. Is it the ICE, or it just your whole integration of the electrical side, which is pretty much half of your horsepower, giving you that advantage?<\/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-ebd8c0a3ff3ac475b9bc596bcb04699b77e3ccf54c347fd29497a1c7bcb5a4b0\">  The &#8220;trenches&#8221; test Antonelli faces before F1 &#8220;exceptional&#8221; judgement   Ferrari busts myth around aggressive development during F1 break <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cYou could end up going down a dangerous path here with teams jumping up and saying \u2018we need a bit of performance gain here\u2019. They might be sandbagging to get that performance gain.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis has to be handled extremely carefully, otherwise you do get into that situation that we see in many other categories around the world, where they do have Balance of Performance and games are played.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has urged the FIA to ensure the rule doesn\u2019t influence the pecking order, suggesting that only Honda warrants an upgrade.<\/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-99c3f166ca92ae894d69b9e7784d45c5f249efc1e0b72e77e42a9deb5c08f6a8\">  Wolff cautions Russell and Antonelli with \u2018only one car\u2019 warning   First verdict given on 2026 F1 rule changes after crunch talks <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt seems for me there\u2019s one engine manufacturer that has a problem, and we need to help. But then all the others are pretty much in the same ballpark,\u201d Wolff told media including<em> Crash.net<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I would be very surprised actually to see, and disappointed, if ADUO decisions come up with any interferences into the competitive pecking order as it stands at the moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe principle of the ADUO was to allow teams that were on the back foot to catch up &#8211; but not to leapfrog.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt needs to be very clear that whatever decisions are being made and whatever team is granted an ADUO, any decision may have a big impact on the championship if not done with absolute precision and clarity and transparency.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Wolff added: \u201cIt needs to be clear that gamesmanship hasn\u2019t got any place here, but it needs to be with the right spirit here that the FIA acts upon an ADUO.\u201d<\/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 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\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Ferrari<\/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\"> Will F1\u2019s 2026 rule tweak work? Mercedes driver who warned of issues explains impact<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404696_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 class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Lando Norris reveals what would &#8216;mean more than winning an F1 championship&#8217;<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403798_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403798_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403798_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403798_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403798_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403798_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403798_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403798_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403798_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-8dcf3f2a3ee9215dffeeda341d934e629f1267746b2e8df301c50377f858b81d\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?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\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/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-273adf31029cb8cd92f0631287040547a129084de9006e8548ed85df73af5034\">\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>Mercedes highlights fears over ADUO \u201cgamesmanship\u201d by F1 rivals<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776683831\"> 20\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1403544_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Mercedes, Ferrari at the 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>Wolff sounds vital F1 warning over proposed tweaks to 2026 rules<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776680220\"> 20\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1398480_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Wolff has urged F1 not to make knee-jerk reactions\" 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>Surprise safety admission from beneficiary of banned F1 engine trick<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776675107\"> 20\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m589247_f1_grand_prix_of_japan_practice.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Mercedes and Red Bull both used the engine trick \" 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>FIA president issues statement before crunch F1 2026 rules meeting<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776672334\"> 20\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1391890_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"F1 is holding a series of key meetings about the 2026 rules\" 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>Has the dynamic between F1\u2019s early title protagonists shifted?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1776591000\"> 19\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m590202_f1_grand_prix_of_japan_qualifying.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Things have not gone Russell's way early on in 2026\" 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 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>\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>F1 has been handed a stark warning about 2026 engine upgrade rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Formula 1 could find itself \u201cgoing down a dangerous path\u201d if it does not handle a new rule around engine upgrade opportunities carefully, Anthony Davidson has warned.<\/p>\n<p>As part of the 2026 power unit regulations, manufactures judged to be at least two percent behind the best-performing engine will be granted Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO).<\/p>\n<p>F1\u2019s governing body the FIA is yet to announce which manufacturers have qualified for the first upgrade opportunity, with a decision expected to come ahead of the next race, the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.<\/p>\n<p>Former F1 driver Davidson fears it could result in the series effectively adopting a Balance of Performance (BoP) &#8211; a controversial mechanism used in other motorsport categories to equalise performance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cReally what we don\u2019t want this to turn into is a Balance of Performance. I don\u2019t think that really has a place in Formula 1,\u201d Davidson said on the Sky Sports F1 Show podcast.<\/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>\u201cI think it should be about who are the best engineers, who can use their money the most wisely. The cost cap, in effect, is F1\u2019s Balance of Performance. Everyone has the same pot to play with and may the best engineering team win.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs it stands at the moment, it seems Mercedes\u2019 power units have done the best job. But it\u2019s a complex one this year, because you\u2019ve got the whole electric motor side of things and the battery integration. Is it the ICE, or it just your whole integration of the electrical side, which is pretty much half of your horsepower, giving you that advantage?<\/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-ebd8c0a3ff3ac475b9bc596bcb04699b77e3ccf54c347fd29497a1c7bcb5a4b0\">  The &#8220;trenches&#8221; test Antonelli faces before F1 &#8220;exceptional&#8221; judgement   Ferrari busts myth around aggressive development during F1 break <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cYou could end up going down a dangerous path here with teams jumping up and saying \u2018we need a bit of performance gain here\u2019. They might be sandbagging to get that performance gain.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis has to be handled extremely carefully, otherwise you do get into that situation that we see in many other categories around the world, where they do have Balance of Performance and games are played.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has urged the FIA to ensure the rule doesn\u2019t influence the pecking order, suggesting that only Honda warrants an upgrade.<\/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-99c3f166ca92ae894d69b9e7784d45c5f249efc1e0b72e77e42a9deb5c08f6a8\">  Wolff cautions Russell and Antonelli with \u2018only one car\u2019 warning   First verdict given on 2026 F1 rule changes after crunch talks <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt seems for me there\u2019s one engine manufacturer that has a problem, and we need to help. But then all the others are pretty much in the same ballpark,\u201d Wolff told media including<em> Crash.net<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I would be very surprised actually to see, and disappointed, if ADUO decisions come up with any interferences into the competitive pecking order as it stands at the moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe principle of the ADUO was to allow teams that were on the back foot to catch up &#8211; but not to leapfrog.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt needs to be very clear that whatever decisions are being made and whatever team is granted an ADUO, any decision may have a big impact on the championship if not done with absolute precision and clarity and transparency.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Wolff added: \u201cIt needs to be clear that gamesmanship hasn\u2019t got any place here, but it needs to be with the right spirit here that the FIA acts upon an ADUO.\u201d<\/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 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>Formula 1 could find itself \u201cgoing down a dangerous path\u201d if it does not handle a new rule around engine upgrade opportunities carefully, Anthony Davidson has warned.<\/p>\n<p>As part of the 2026 power unit regulations, manufactures judged to be at least two percent behind the best-performing engine will be granted Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO).<\/p>\n<p>F1\u2019s governing body the FIA is yet to announce which manufacturers have qualified for the first upgrade opportunity, with a decision expected to come ahead of the next race, the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.<\/p>\n<p>Former F1 driver Davidson fears it could result in the series effectively adopting a Balance of Performance (BoP) &#8211; a controversial mechanism used in other motorsport categories to equalise performance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cReally what we don\u2019t want this to turn into is a Balance of Performance. I don\u2019t think that really has a place in Formula 1,\u201d Davidson said on the Sky Sports F1 Show podcast.<\/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>\u201cI think it should be about who are the best engineers, who can use their money the most wisely. The cost cap, in effect, is F1\u2019s Balance of Performance. Everyone has the same pot to play with and may the best engineering team win.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs it stands at the moment, it seems Mercedes\u2019 power units have done the best job. But it\u2019s a complex one this year, because you\u2019ve got the whole electric motor side of things and the battery integration. Is it the ICE, or it just your whole integration of the electrical side, which is pretty much half of your horsepower, giving you that advantage?<\/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-ebd8c0a3ff3ac475b9bc596bcb04699b77e3ccf54c347fd29497a1c7bcb5a4b0\">  The &#8220;trenches&#8221; test Antonelli faces before F1 &#8220;exceptional&#8221; judgement   Ferrari busts myth around aggressive development during F1 break <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cYou could end up going down a dangerous path here with teams jumping up and saying \u2018we need a bit of performance gain here\u2019. They might be sandbagging to get that performance gain.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis has to be handled extremely carefully, otherwise you do get into that situation that we see in many other categories around the world, where they do have Balance of Performance and games are played.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has urged the FIA to ensure the rule doesn\u2019t influence the pecking order, suggesting that only Honda warrants an upgrade.<\/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-99c3f166ca92ae894d69b9e7784d45c5f249efc1e0b72e77e42a9deb5c08f6a8\">  Wolff cautions Russell and Antonelli with \u2018only one car\u2019 warning   First verdict given on 2026 F1 rule changes after crunch talks <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cIt seems for me there\u2019s one engine manufacturer that has a problem, and we need to help. But then all the others are pretty much in the same ballpark,\u201d Wolff told media including<em> Crash.net<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo I would be very surprised actually to see, and disappointed, if ADUO decisions come up with any interferences into the competitive pecking order as it stands at the moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe principle of the ADUO was to allow teams that were on the back foot to catch up &#8211; but not to leapfrog.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt needs to be very clear that whatever decisions are being made and whatever team is granted an ADUO, any decision may have a big impact on the championship if not done with absolute precision and clarity and transparency.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Wolff added: \u201cIt needs to be clear that gamesmanship hasn\u2019t got any place here, but it needs to be with the right spirit here that the FIA acts upon an ADUO.\u201d<\/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 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\/1093279\/1\/dangerous-path-warning-issued-over-new-f1-2026-engine-upgrades-rule&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404714_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] \u2018Dangerous path\u2019 warning issued over new F1 2026 engine upgrades rule F1 has been handed a stark warning about 2026 engine upgrade rules. Lewis Larkam 22 Apr 2026 Share Mercedes is wary its rivals could be playing games Add as a preferred source Formula 1 could find itself \u201cgoing down a dangerous [&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-1896643","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\/1896643","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=1896643"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896643\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1896643"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1896643"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1896643"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}