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ADUO engine balancing system sparks Mercedes-Ferrari F1 2026 showdown

Autosport F1 News •
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Formula 1's 2026 regulations have handed Mercedes a significant advantage, but the new ADUO engine balancing system could close the gap. Mercedes leads Ferrari by 45 points in the constructors' championship after three races, with Kimai Antonelli and George Russell dominating the drivers' standings. The German team's power unit provides at least 15bhp more than Ferrari's, allowing them to extract more battery power under the new rules. However, ADUO allows teams with engines 2-4% off the benchmark to claim one upgrade per season.

Ferrari, currently 2-4% behind, is expected to use this to close the gap, potentially changing the Miami Grand Prix dynamics. Kimi Antonelli expects the competition to tighten, stating, 'I'm aware that the other teams will catch up sooner or later.'.