Audi Formula 1 boss Mattia Binotto has urged the FIA to rethink the ADUO power unit upgrade system. The call follows Mercedes receiving approval for additional engine development while Red Bull Ford Powertrains remains locked out.
Binotto said the current system measures only V6 performance on track and may allow stronger teams to hold back their engines. He noted that Mercedes has benefited despite its overall car advantage, while the Red Bull unit set the benchmark and cannot improve further.
The ADUO scheme awards upgrade tokens based on a sliding scale for every 2 percent a manufacturer trails in V6 power. Qualifying teams can then develop hybrid components as well, which Binotto argued deviates from the original goal of helping those truly behind.
Audi entered F1 partly to benefit from the safety net, yet Honda now appears most in need of catch-up development. Binotto stressed he does not question FIA data but believes the rules require adjustment to ensure fairness.
Red Bull has contested the FIA findings without success. The situation has raised suspicions among rivals that some manufacturers may be managing their V6 output strategically.
