Formula 1's governing body has adjusted its Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system to provide extra assistance to power unit manufacturers falling behind. The changes are expected to benefit Honda, which is supplying Aston Martin and currently dealing with an uncompetitive engine and reliability problems. The updates include expanded cost cap allowances and more development time.
The FIA introduced the ADUO mechanic for the all-new 2026 power units to prevent prolonged competitiveness gaps among engine builders. Under the revised sliding scale, manufacturers more than 8 percent behind the benchmark on internal combustion engine power now qualify for additional allowances when they reach a 10 percent deficit. This includes an extra $8 million cost cap exemption available only this year, plus increased dyno hours for development work outside the standard homologation window.
