P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Aston Martin F1 lifeline emerges but crisis team must wait SIX races
Aston Martin and Honda faced a disastrous outing during F1 testing, with Aston Martin leaving early due to a Honda battery issue and part shortage, running only six laps and lagging four seconds behind their competitors, even competing with newcomers Cadillac.
Both companies are now under pressure, particularly Honda as the FIA’s homologation deadline of March 1 fast approaches, meaning any upgrades or changes to the power unit will require approval.
As the deadline nears, Honda’s Sakura operations may need a lifeline, but the solution won’t be available until the sixth race of the F1 season.
The FIA’s ADUO rule introduced for the 2026 season offers struggling manufacturers additional funding and extra test bench hours, with performance evaluations after specific races and upgrades granted based on engine performance differentials.
Honda is reportedly planning for an ‘B’ engine specification under ADUO, with significant improvements potentially delayed until the summer break or even next year.
