Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has indicated an openness to adjusting Formula 1’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) regulations. This stance follows discussions initiated by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding Honda’s current power unit performance and its impact on Aston Martin and driver Fernando Alonso.
Wolff stated that the ADUO mechanism was designed as a catch-up tool, acknowledging that Honda requires further assistance. He deemed the conversation between Ben Sulayem and Alonso as ‘fair enough,’ emphasizing the sport’s benefit from having all top manufacturers competitive.
The ADUO system, introduced with the 2026 power unit regulations, aims to prevent a single manufacturer from gaining a significant performance advantage. It involves the FIA monitoring the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) performance of all manufacturers, creating an ‘ICE Performance Index’.
Manufacturers whose ICE performance is 2% or more behind the benchmark are granted additional development opportunities. A deficit of 2-4% allows for one extra homologation upgrade in the current season and one in the following season.
For those 4% or more behind, two additional upgrades are permitted in the current season and two more in the subsequent season. These upgrades are not cumulative within a season and are forfeited if unused.
The FIA’s assessments have identified Red Bull-Ford Powertrains as the benchmark for ICE performance. Mercedes is reportedly 2-4% behind, while Ferrari, Audi, and Honda have been measured beyond the 4% threshold, qualifying them for two upgrades.
Honda, which returned to Formula 1 in 2026 as the power unit supplier for Aston Martin, has endured a challenging season. The Aston Martin AMR26 has faced issues including late development, chronic vibrations, and reliability problems.
Fernando Alonso, who signed a multi-year deal with Aston Martin in April 2024 extending into the 2026 regulatory cycle, has scored only one championship point this season. He has been critical of the current regulations.
Reports indicate Alonso has agreed terms for a contract extension through 2027, with an announcement anticipated around the Dutch Grand Prix.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed a desire to ensure Alonso remains in Formula 1, stating it is ‘not acceptable’ for the two-time champion to be in an uncompetitive car. He has discussed potential rule flexibility with Alonso and Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll.
Honda introduced an upgraded power unit at the Dutch Grand Prix, following a filming day in Hungary. This upgrade focused on improving combustion, reducing friction, and enhancing reliability, with an estimated gain of 35-50 horsepower.
Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has also indicated an openness to discussing the ADUO regulations, acknowledging the need for a flexible approach to rules.
However, Red Bull disputes the FIA’s assessment of its ICE as the most powerful. Max Verstappen has argued that the ADUO system measures only the ICE, not the complete hybrid power unit, suggesting Mercedes may hold an advantage in battery deployment.
The 2026 regulations mandate a 50/50 hybrid split with 350kW electric power and 100% sustainable fuel, alongside the removal of the MGU-H. The FIA has already made amendments to these regulations, including compression ratio testing.
‘I think the ADUO in that case was designed as a catch-up mechanism, and that formula was unlocked for Honda,’ Wolff said. ‘And they need more. And I think the conversation that the president had with Alonso is fair enough.’
Discussions among the five power unit manufacturers are ongoing, with a possibility of broadening the ADUO assessment beyond just ICE power.
