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Honda gets extra F1 power unit help after FIA tweaks cost cap rules
TL;DR
The FIA has updated the 2026 regulations to provide additional support for power unit manufacturers, particularly benefiting Honda, which has struggled with its current engine performance and reliability.
Key points
- FIA made tweaks to 2026 F1 regulations
- New rules support power unit manufacturers
- Honda is currently uncompetitive in F1
- ADUO system aims to improve engine competitiveness
- Honda faces reliability issues with its power unit
Mentioned in this story
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Formula 1
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Formula 1's governing body the FIA has made additional tweaks to the relevant 2026 regulations to help power unit manufacturers catch up in a move which is expected to give struggling Honda extra assistance.
F1 had devised a so-called ADUO system - Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities - for 2026's all-new power units to avoid a similar scenario of the previous rule cycle where one or more engine builders would take a long time to become reasonably competitive.
As was the case over the last rule cycle, it is current Aston Martin partner Honda that is in that position after being on the back foot with its development, fielding a power unit that is both uncompetitive and facing early reliability issues.
As part of the ADUO system, there is a sliding scale of additional upgrade opportunities and power unit cost cap exemptions depending on how much a manufacturer's V6 engine is falling behind the benchmark.
Teams are afforded additional cost cap allowance and dyno hours for ever 2% they are behind, with the FIA now adding an additional column to the regulations for manufacturers down 10% on ICE power, up from 8%. There is also an additional $8m allowance for this year only.
| Power Unit Manufacturer’s ICE Performance Index deficit | <2% | 2%≤X<4% | 4%≤X<6% | 6%≤X<8% | 8%≤X<10% |
Q&A
What changes did the FIA make to the F1 cost cap rules?
The FIA introduced tweaks to the 2026 regulations, allowing for Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities for power unit manufacturers.
How will the new regulations help Honda in Formula 1?
The updates are expected to give Honda extra assistance in improving its power unit, which has been uncompetitive and facing reliability issues.
What is the ADUO system in Formula 1?
The ADUO system stands for Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities, designed to help engine manufacturers catch up and avoid competitiveness gaps.
Why is Honda struggling in the current F1 season?
Honda is facing challenges with its power unit development, resulting in uncompetitive performance and early reliability issues.