Mercedes is open to rethinking ADUO to help Honda close the gap

Formula 1’s engine catch-up mechanism could already be revised. Toto Wolff says Honda “needs more” to become competitive with Aston Martin and is open to another discussion about ADUO, the system that gives extra development opportunities to power-unit manufacturers furthest from the benchmark. His comments follow talks between Fernando Alonso and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem about Honda’s difficulties.\n\nNo additional assistance has been approved. The debate is about making the mechanism effective without creating an artificial leapfrog system. Laurent Mekies has also indicated he is open to a review. After a politically charged first season for the 2026 engines, F1 is already considering how its safety net should evolve.