F1 engine manufacturers are set to benefit from a new rule introduced this year.
George Russell believes that the ADUO system will not hinder Mercedes’ performance this year, as the FIA has implemented this new regulation to aid struggling manufacturers in the initial stage of the latest technical cycle. The system assesses the need for extra development support based on performance against a benchmark, with Honda anticipated to receive a substantial development allowance due to their slow start. Similar to the ATR system for aerodynamics, which provides more wind tunnel time to lower-ranked teams, Russell expects the strongest engineering teams to excel in engine development as well. Despite Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff questioning the system’s fairness, Russell remains confident that it won’t significantly impact their standing in the pecking order. Overall, he trusts in the team’s capabilities and doesn’t foresee substantial negative effects from the ADUO system.
