FIA Moves ADUO Power Unit Development Window Forward, Threatening Mercedes' Title Lead
The FIA has brought forward the first Accelerated Development Under Opposition (ADUO) period to after race five — the Canadian Grand Prix — rather than its originally planned position. The adjustment follows cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds, compressing the early schedule. ADUO windows allow Ferrari, Red Bull, Audi, and Honda to accelerate power unit development while Mercedes is locked out of upgrades during those periods. The change could meaningfully narrow the gap to Mercedes, who hold a 68-point constructors lead after four races. Rivals welcomed the earlier window; Mercedes said it was monitoring the situation closely ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix on May 22.
F1 2026 Silly Season Under Way: Verstappen Future in Doubt, Horner Eligible to Return
The 2026 Formula 1 driver market is building momentum with several key futures unresolved. Max Verstappen, contracted to Red Bull through at least 2028, has acknowledged pondering his long-term options, reviving speculation about break clauses in his deal. Meanwhile, both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell reach the end of their current Mercedes contracts, with Antonelli on a one-year deal. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff previously courted Verstappen before the Dutchman committed to Red Bull for this season. Paddock conversations are intensifying with nearly a dozen seats potentially open for 2027, making the coming weeks a critical period for driver negotiations across the grid.
Sources: Formula 1
FIA President Ben Sulayem Publicly Backs Horner's Potential Return to F1 Paddock
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly backed Christian Horner's potential return to the Formula 1 paddock. Horner departed Red Bull in 2026 under a reported £80 million settlement, with a ten-month gardening leave clause that has now expired. He is eligible to join a rival team as early as the Canadian Grand Prix weekend. Ben Sulayem described Horner's record as "amazing" and said he personally likes the former team principal. No appointment has been announced, though Alpine has emerged as the most frequently cited destination given openings in its management structure. Horner himself has not confirmed any plans to return.
F1 Targeting End-of-Season Slot to Reinstate One of Two Cancelled Middle East Races
Formula 1 is targeting a late-season slot to reinstate one of its two cancelled 2026 Middle East races, according to RaceFans' May 10 round-up. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were called off amid regional security concerns related to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, reducing the calendar from 24 to 22 rounds. F1 president Stefano Domenicali has signalled openness to reinstatement, with discussions understood to be ongoing with promoters. Any addition would likely fall after the Abu Dhabi finale. Teams have expressed reservations about extending an already demanding schedule, and circuit readiness remains a logistical challenge.
Sources: RaceFans
FIA and Teams Agree in Principle on Further Evolutionary 2026 Power Unit Changes
The FIA confirmed proposals for further evolutionary changes to 2026 regulations were agreed in principle at an online meeting on May 8, attended by team principals, Formula One Management, and all power unit manufacturers. Changes proposed for 2027 include a nominal 50kW increase in internal combustion engine power, a fuel-flow adjustment, and a 50kW reduction in ERS deployment — shifting the balance marginally toward the combustion engine. The Miami-introduced low-power start detection system and wet-condition ERS limits were assessed positively. The FIA said further technical group discussions would precede final approval, with the next coordination expected before the Canadian Grand Prix later this month.
Drivers' Championship
1. Kimi Antonelli — 100 pts
2. George Russell — 80 pts
3. Charles Leclerc — 59 pts
4. Lando Norris — 51 pts
5. Lewis Hamilton — 51 pts
6. Oscar Piastri — 43 pts
7. Max Verstappen — 26 pts
8. Oliver Bearman — 17 pts
9. Pierre Gasly — 16 pts
10. Liam Lawson — 10 pts
11. Franco Colapinto — 7 pts
12. Esteban Ocon — 1 pt
13. Alex Albon — 1 pt
14. Isack Hadjar — 0 pts
15. Carlos Sainz — 0 pts
16. Fernando Alonso — 0 pts
17. Lance Stroll — 0 pts
18. Nico Hulkenberg — 0 pts
19. Arvid Lindblad — 0 pts
20. Gabriel Bortoleto — 0 pts
21. Sergio Perez — 0 pts
22. Valtteri Bottas — 0 pts
Constructors' Championship
1. Mercedes — 180 pts
2. Ferrari — 112 pts
3. McLaren — 94 pts
4. Red Bull — 33 pts
5. Alpine — 23 pts
6. Haas — 18 pts
7. Racing Bulls — 10 pts
8. Williams — 1 pt
9. Aston Martin — 0 pts
10. Audi — 0 pts
11. Cadillac — 0 pts
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