FIA warned they are ‘punishing’ Mercedes’ ‘good work’ if Ferrari are handed ADUO

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Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, have been warned that they are ‘punishing’ Mercedes if Ferrari are handed ADUO. 

Ahead of the 2026 F1 season, ADUO – Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities – was introduced as part of the sport’s brand new regulations.

The ADUO was brought in to give teams that are at least two per cent behind the manufacturer with the best-performing engine development opportunities.

So far in 2026, Mercedes have been the dominant force, with George Russell winning in Australia before Kimi Antonelli won in China, Japan, Miami and Canada.

Meanwhile, the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull are left playing catch-up. Ferrari feel they should be handed ADUO, something that Sky Sports F1 analyst and racer Naomi Schiff disagrees with.

Is Toto Wolff putting unnecessary pressure on his drivers with quotes like this? 😬

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FIA warned they are ‘punishing’ Mercedes’ ‘good work’ with ADUO

Speaking on the latest episode of the Up To Speed podcast, Schiff questioned whether Ferrari really need the help of ADUO. She also stated that Mercedes are being punished for producing good work. 

Ferrari enjoyed a decent weekend, with Lewis Hamilton beating Max Verstappen to P2, while Charles Leclerc finished fourth.

Schiff said: “When I think of a team like Ferrari being able to have additional upgrades when they have just scored second place on the podium, and I know maybe George should’ve been there, but they were podium contenders all weekend long.

“Certainly Lewis was. Lewis stood on the podium in China. That doesn’t really scream to me a team that is in desperate need of an additional boost to their performance.

“Whereas in traditional years, you know, any team would be seriously annoyed that teams would be getting advantages to getting upgrades when they are within sort of striking distance.

“Like, is that fair to Mercedes then? For having gotten it right, like, you know, you’re punishing good work in that sense.”

Should Toto Wolff stay off the radio when Kimi Antonelli and George Russell battle?

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READ MORE: Charles Leclerc radio about Lewis Hamilton shows how George Russell should handle Kimi Antonelli

What did Charles Leclerc say about Ferrari potentially getting ADUO?

Speaking prior to the Canadian Grand Prix, Leclerc claimed that Ferrari are lacking the engine power to compete against Mercedes, but also hinted that ADUO might not make a big difference.

As reported by Planet F1, Leclerc said: “I think it’s going to be very difficult [to catch Mercedes]. I think they have a very big advantage.

“And ADUO, I mean I obviously don’t know yet if we are in – I’ll be surprised if not, because I can see sometimes in the straight that we are lacking a little bit compared to the Mercedes or even Ford power unit.

“I think it will definitely be a help to try and get closer. Whether it will be enough to close the gap, I don’t know. It also depends which level we get, if we get it at all, but surely if we get it, it will be a help to get closer.”