‘Leaked’ information shows Ferrari’s bonus financial aim with their ADUO target ahead of FIA ruling

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Ferrari now hope that the FIA finds their engine is 4% worse than the benchmark ICE after the 2026 F1 Canadian Grand Prix so they benefit from the cost cap implications.

The FIA will rule on which of the engine manufacturers will be able to upgrade their internal combustion engines (ICE) after the Canadian GP on May 22-24, having had to move the first deadline for this year’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system.

F1 and the FIA had originally set a deadline of the sixth round of the season to decide which engine manufacturers would qualify for ADUO. But the cancellations of the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia saw F1 and the FIA set a deadline of Canada, which is now the fifth event.

Ferrari have long hoped to qualify for one of the ADUO tiers so that they can upgrade their ICE, having accepted that their engine is inferior to the best unit – which is widely believed to be Mercedes’. Red Bull are potentially the only other manufacturer that will not qualify.

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Ferrari hope to qualify for an extra £2.5m engine cost cap allowance through ADUO

Ferrari are already planning an upgraded engine prior to the FIA issuing its ruling later in May, as the pride of Italy suspect they lack at least 20 horsepower compared to Mercedes. Ferrari intend to modify their combustion chamber and also introduce changes to the turbocharger.  

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

Should the FIA rule that Ferrari’s engine is between two and four per cent inferior compared to the best ICE, they would be allowed to introduce one update. If their engine is more than 4% worse, they would then be allowed to introduce two upgrades through the 2026 season.

Formula1.it now reports that Ferrari are aiming for the 4% ADUO status, as they would then also benefit from the cost cap implications. The 4% ADUO status would earn more flexibility in F1’s financial controls, with a boost of approximately $3m (£2.5m) to their engine budget.

Only Honda are expected to merit a higher ADUO status, after the FIA introduced a third tier following discussions after the Miami Grand Prix. It has been suggested that Honda’s engine is more than 10% worse than the best ICE, so are due to be permitted an extra $11m (£8m).

Additionally, the FIA is expected to give Honda a one-off allowance to develop their engine to the tune of $8m (£6m). Honda have endured a torrid start to their new partnership with Aston Martin this season, so are understood to have received the support of their F1 rivals.

Ferrari have not enjoyed as strong of a start to the season as Mercedes, who have won the first four Grands Prix in Australia, China, Japan and Miami from pole. But the Scuderia have taken two podiums through Charles Leclerc and one through Lewis Hamilton so far in 2026.