F1 mulls rule tweak to give Honda extra upgrade freedom
F1 is discussing a tweak to the ADUO upgrade rules so Honda, struggling with vibration‑related power‑unit woes, can receive extra development slots. The change aims to keep the grid competitive and may need a super‑majority vote.
Honda’s power unit, still plagued by vibration issues with Aston Martin, is falling well outside the performance window set for the 2026‑27 seasons. FIA and the F1 Power‑Unit Advisory Committee are reportedly discussing a tweak to the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) rules that would let a lagging engine manufacturer receive more than the usual one‑or‑two upgrade packages. The change is meant to give Honda a realistic chance of catching up without overhauling the whole regulatory framework.
Why it matters:
- A competitive power unit is essential for the Aston Martin‑Honda partnership to stay in the points battle and protect the sport’s image of technical parity.
- Allowing a targeted rule relaxation could prevent a prolonged performance gap that would otherwise diminish on‑track competition and fan interest.
- Other manufacturers have signaled support, recognizing that a struggling engine supplier hurts the entire grid, not just its own customer team.
The details:
- Under current ADUO rules, a deficit of 2‑% behind the benchmark grants one upgrade for 2026 and one for 2027; a 4‑% shortfall permits two upgrades each year.
- The proposed tweak would remove the “once‑per‑season” cap, letting a manufacturer that remains outside the 4‑% window receive additional development allowances and cost‑cap flexibility later in the same season.
- Any amendment requires a super‑majority vote from the Power‑Unit Advisory Committee – four of the five engine makers plus FOM and the FIA.
What’s next:
- The committee is expected to vote before the end of the current season; a positive outcome would give Honda a second ADUO window for 2026.
- In the meantime, Honda has kept an Aston Martin AMR‑26 chassis at its Sakura R&D centre to study vibration issues and roll out minor counter‑measures for the upcoming Miami race.
- Even with short‑term fixes, the team cautions that performance gains will be modest, and the bulk of recovery will depend on the rule change being approved.
Don't miss the next lap
Get the deep dives and technical analysis from the world of F1 delivered to your inbox twice a week.
Zero spam. Only high-octane analysis. Unsubscribe anytime.
Join the inner circle
Get the deep dives and technical analysis from the world of F1 delivered to your inbox twice a week.
Zero spam. Only high-octane analysis. Unsubscribe anytime.
