Williams' 'ADUO for teams' proposal to be discussed by F1 Commission

A proposal to give teams outside the top four more spending freedom under the cost cap is set to be discussed at next week's Formula 1 Commission meeting. Williams team boss James Vowles has tabled the idea of a sliding-scale catch-up mechanism, which he says would help smaller teams escape what he calls a "cost cap trap" caused by legacy advantages held by bigger squads.

The plan has been named "ADUO for teams", a reference to the additional development allowances already available to engine manufacturers whose power units fall behind the benchmark. Vowles had hoped for enough backing to introduce it as early as next year, but support from only four teams so far makes that unlikely. Haas and Racing Bulls are opposed, and it would need at least four teams to be introduced for 2028.

Vowles said the FIA and F1 support the plan, but he does not expect it to happen quickly and wants to get it right ahead of the next regulation change.