In a bid to ensure no single manufacturer enjoys a significant advantage under the new rules additional development will be allowed for those struggling.

The 2026 regulations overhaul is the most significant since 2014 and sees Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda joined by Red Bull (Ford) and Audi, with Cadillac set to enter in 2028.

Other than sustainable fuels becoming mandatory, the MGU-H is gone while electrical power is increased to 350kW.

Fearing a repeat of 2014, when for several seasons Mercedes had a clear performance advantage over it rivals, the FIA has introduced the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) concept.

Basically, after the 6th, 12th and 18th races of the season if a power unit is deemed to be performing significantly worse than average, the manufacturer can receive options such as homologation changes or increased development hours on test benches.

In addition, measures will be introduced to provide cost cap relief to a manufacturer which finds itself facing serious reliability issues that could be very damaging under the cost cap.

The ADUO was announced at this week's meeting of the World Motor Sport Council.

At the meeting the other changes to the 2026 technical regulations were approved relating to the survival cell, suspension and aerodynamic components.

Check out our Friday gallery from COTA here.