FIA's Honda help could trigger major ADUO system revamp

The FIA is evaluating changes to F1's ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) system for 2027, aiming to make the catch-up mechanism fairer at the front and give Honda extra help at the back. Momentum could build at Monday's F1 Commission meeting.

Why it matters:

ADUO was meant as a safety net for manufacturers who misread the 2026 rules, but this season it has influenced the title fight. Red Bull was judged to have the best internal combustion engine despite not winning, leaving it unable to develop while championship leader Mercedes can. The system has become a political flashpoint.

The details:

• Rankings are based only on ICE power, not full power unit performance, leaving benchmark manufacturers trapped.
• Options include broadening ICE measurements, switching to full PU performance, or using constructors' standings — an idea floated by Audi's Mattia Binotto.
• Any change needs support from four of six PUAC manufacturers: Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Audi, Honda and Cadillac.

Between the lines:

Honda has already had a $19m boost, but with its future at stake, Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll and Fernando Alonso are pushing for more. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has openly backed helping Honda, and Toto Wolff is open: 'We need the best of the best... sometimes maybe we need an adjustment.' Red Bull's Laurent Mekies says any extra Honda help should trigger a wider ADUO debate.

What's next:

Honda is saving one of its two allowed ADUO upgrades this season for a bigger 2027 step, and has changed its F1 project leader to accelerate development. Trackside boss Shintaro Orihara says the team will rely on its own plan, not a rule-change miracle.