P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Aston Martin and Honda have been F1’s biggest flop in 2026, but an FIA lifeline is just around the corner.
Aston Martin could see some relief from their F1 struggles as Honda is expected to receive a significant financial boost of up to $19 million.
The FIA has introduced the Additional Upgrade and Development Opportunities (ADUO) program, which will assist struggling manufacturers to improve their power unit performance.
ADUO allows manufacturers to upgrade their power unit if it is at least two percent behind the best performing one, with increasing allowances based on the performance gap.
Honda could benefit from up to $11 million in allowances and a possibility of $8 million in future cost cap support if they are 10 percent behind the top power unit.
The goal of ADUO, as described by the FIA, is to provide struggling manufacturers with the flexibility to develop their power units within the technical regulations.
Toto Wolff of Mercedes has acknowledged the potential benefits for Honda under the ADUO program, emphasizing the need to assist struggling manufacturers without disrupting the competitive balance in Formula 1.
