FIA Confirms Mercedes Gets 1 Engine Upgrade as Red Bull Misses Out Again

3 articles · Updated · Sky Sports · Aug 26

Mercedes was formally cleared for one extra 2026 power-unit homologation after the FIA said its engine sat 2%-4% behind the benchmark in the first ADUO review.
Red Bull got no new allowance in the second review period, meaning no rival was judged to have moved far enough ahead to trigger catch-up upgrades before the summer break.
Audi, Ferrari and Honda were deemed more than 4% off in period one, earning two extra homologations each across 2026 and 2027 plus added cost-cap and dyno headroom.
The decision remains contentious because Mercedes has won the first six grands prix and leads the constructors' standings by 87 points, while Verstappen sits 130 points off Kimi Antonelli.
A third review period began at the Dutch Grand Prix and runs until Mexico City on Nov. 1, with Monza next on Sept. 4-6.