Because of Honda: Mercedes open to a revision of the ADUO system

– Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted that Honda needs more support to become competitive as Aston Martin’s engine partner. This follows talks between Fernando Alonso and FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem.

Title image for the news: Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff on the phone in the Formula 1 paddock

The new engine partner of Aston Martin has struggled to be competitive under the new regulations. The Japanese manufacturer made a late turnaround and decided against withdrawing from Formula 1.

As a result, Honda had to assemble a new engineering team to work on the complex requirements for power units from 2026 onwards. This delay meant Honda was not ready for the 2026 season.

The power unit was underpowered, too heavy, and unreliable. Therefore, Honda qualified for the catch-up mechanism ADUO. This gave the manufacturer additional development and budget allowances as part of a new package agreed in May.

However, Honda’s first attempt to improve the power unit only brought modest progress. Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll continue to struggle and still find themselves at the back of the field.

Sulayem wants a dignified farewell for Alonso

Before the recent Spanish Grand Prix, Alonso and FIA President Sulayem discussed what further measures could help Honda. Previously, there had been speculation that Alonso might leave Formula 1.

“We cannot just let Fernando Alonso, a great champion, go because of these circumstances,” Sulayem said at an event in Madrid, addressing the Spaniard’s home audience.

“He should not leave the stage like that. He must be successful and then leave whenever he wants – not because he was forced to retire due to performance,” said the FIA President.

Photo gallery: Madrid: Driver ratings by Marc Surer and the editorial team

“I will talk to him. I saw how sad he was, and I said: ‘Fernando, I understand you. […] Please tell me what you want, because you are the driver. Come and tell me what we should do to improve these results.'”

The ADUO system in Formula 1 is set to be revised during the winter break anyway. The reason is discomfort that Mercedes has received opportunities for improvements, even though the manufacturer apparently has the overall best power unit. Red Bull-Ford, on the other hand, was excluded from further development measures.

Wolff and Mekies open to changes

Asked about the talks between Sulayem and Alonso, Wolff replied: “I think ADUO was designed as a catch-up mechanism, and this regulation was unlocked for Honda. But Honda needs more.”

“I think the conversation between the president and Alonso is completely justified. We want to have all these top manufacturers in the sport. They should be competitive and successful. The regulations are there for the good of the sport, and sometimes they may need adjustment.”

“That is perfectly fine – as is this conversation,” said Wolff. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, whose team is unhappy with the FIA’s measurements that rated their own V6 engine as the most powerful in the field and thus excluded them from further development measures, also supported this approach.

“Even if we don’t always agree, I think as a sport we try to look at the regulations with some openness,” Mekies said, explaining: “Maybe you remember that the ADUO regulations were already changed once earlier this year – precisely to help those who were significantly behind compared to the originally decided requirements.”

“All teams agreed to it. We also voted for it in the interest of the sport,” said Mekies, emphasizing: “As representatives of the sport, we usually find solutions when there is a situation that needs to be fixed or supported.”