2026 Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

[zibby43]

As a follow-up to your edit, why should the most powerful ICE (RBPT) be given ADUO but not the best energy recovery (Merc, apparently)? What is the logic there?

And I’m fine with solution 5. In fact, I prefer it above all else.

Because ADUO should be implemented for the entire PU including the Hybrid. Otherwise why should there be a measurement process for the ICE which grants additional development items for the Hybrid system. That is what the current system does. So the Mercedes class leading hybrid system is now allowed to get further ahead, while Red Bull are actually blocked from improving their hybrid system until 2028 according to the regulations, simply because of the ICE rating. This has no logic.

https://i.postimg.cc/ryvg39xb/image.png


https://i.postimg.cc/fRWdr3qm/image.png

You can see now that this is not a PU catchup mechanism like Toto Wolff requested. This scheme will allow Mercedes to increase their PU margin.

There would be no logic granting the team with the best ICE further development either, according to your methodology.

I think we have some middle ground on the notion of open development for all but I think we enter the realm of assumptions when we say “X manufacturer has the best overall PU.” All these claims are coming from journalists or drivers. The same ones who say things like Ferrari have the best chassis. What would RB look like on the straights without an overweight pig of a car with terrible aero efficiency?

Clearly, the RBPT ICE is most powerful per the FIA’s measurement so kudos to them for topping Mercedes and Ferrari out of the gate.

I’m now going to red flag myself and suggest that any further ADUO discussion be confined to a thread narrowly tailored for the topic, as to not take this one any further off topic.

[AR3-GP]

I agree. I think the FIA has more insight than I do so maybe there's something I missed. Maybe everyone will be close next year. Let's trust the process.

[zibby43]

My understanding is that the electric side is not frozen. So as it stands, everyone can make changes between seasons as long as they stick to the cap. IMHO, it is extremely unlikely that the peak capability of anyone's hybrid system is that far ahead of anyone else from a hardware perspective. This is mature technology that has been raced in F1 and beyond for years.

The difference is likely coming from perfecting harvesting and deployment maps. This is software. It can constantly be updated by any team. Hence the focus on ICE for ADUO and why I do trust the FIA and am willing to see how this pans out.

If the hybrid element is reduced in favor of the ICE in 2027, I imagine RBPT will stand the most to gain.

[erudite450]

I guess Toto was right after all when he said that RBPT built the best PU.