News Summary
- Toto Wolff has backed discussions over providing Honda with greater scope to improve its F1 power unit
- Honda already received the maximum additional development opportunities available from F1’s first ADUO review
- The debate follows Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s intervention over Honda’s struggles and Fernando Alonso’s uncertain future
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has backed discussions over giving Honda greater scope to recover from its difficult start to Formula 1’s new power-unit era, arguing that the existing regulations may need further adjustment.
Honda already benefits from F1’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system, known as ADUO, which was introduced with the 2026 regulations to allow manufacturers behind the benchmark to accelerate development. The Japanese manufacturer qualified for the maximum allowance in the first review period, but Wolff believes the situation remains open for discussion.
“I think in that case ADUO was designed as a catch-up mechanism and that formula was unlocked for Honda,” Wolff said. “They need more.”
The Mercedes boss added that F1’s regulations exist to protect the wider interests of the championship and can be reconsidered when circumstances require it.
“We want to have all these great teams in the sport. We want them to be competitive and successful,” he said. “The rules are made for the good of the sport and sometimes maybe an adjustment is needed.”
What help has Honda already received?
The FIA introduced ADUO specifically to give manufacturers additional development freedom when their internal combustion engine falls at least 2% behind the best-performing benchmark.
After the first 2026 assessment, Mercedes was placed between 2% and 4% behind and received one additional homologation for both 2026 and 2027. Honda, Ferrari and Audi were assessed at more than 4% behind, earning two additional homologations for each season as well as increased cost-cap and dyno-testing allowances.
No manufacturer received further homologations after the second assessment period.
The FIA has stressed that ADUO measures ICE performance rather than the complete hybrid power unit and is not a Balance of Performance system. Manufacturers still have to develop the performance themselves; the mechanism simply provides additional regulatory and financial freedom to do so.
Ben Sulayem brings Alonso into Honda debate
The discussion intensified after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke publicly about Honda’s difficulties while discussing Fernando Alonso’s future.
Alonso has yet to confirm whether he will continue in Formula 1 in 2027, and Ben Sulayem said he did not want the two-time world champion to leave because Aston Martin-Honda was unable to provide competitive machinery.
Wolff described the conversation between Ben Sulayem and Alonso as fair, but any actual regulatory change would have broader consequences than one driver or team. Honda is one of five manufacturers competing under F1’s current power-unit regulations alongside Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi and Red Bull Ford, meaning further changes would need to be considered within the championship’s wider regulatory framework.
Honda itself has also played down the idea that intervention could provide an immediate solution. The existing ADUO system gives manufacturers more freedom to develop, but does not directly equalise engine performance.
The FIA has already acknowledged that the mechanism could evolve. Single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis said after the second 2026 review that, as this is ADUO’s first season, there are areas that may be adjusted over time in consultation with all power-unit manufacturers.
That leaves Wolff’s comments particularly significant. Mercedes is not questioning whether Honda should be allowed to catch up; its team principal is openly suggesting F1 should consider whether the existing system gives its rival enough opportunity to do so.
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FAQ
What is ADUO in Formula 1?
ADUO stands for Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities. It allows F1 power-unit manufacturers whose internal combustion engines fall sufficiently behind the benchmark to receive additional homologations, cost-cap allowances and dyno-testing opportunities.
What extra development has Honda received in 2026?
Honda was assessed at more than 4% behind the leading ICE during the first ADUO review and received two additional homologations for 2026 and two for 2027, alongside additional financial and testing allowances.
Why does Toto Wolff want F1 to help Honda?
Wolff believes F1 should be willing to adjust its regulations if necessary to help manufacturers remain competitive. Honda already qualifies for ADUO, but Wolff said the manufacturer “need[s] more” as it works to reduce its deficit.
