Red Bull Racing is willing to discuss possible changes to the Formula 1 ADUO mechanism to help Honda, which powers Aston Martin, reduce its performance disadvantage. The team principal, Laurent Mekies, stated that his team maintains an open stance regarding the proposal from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
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This discussion gained momentum due to Honda’s difficulties in the first season of the new generation of power units, and Fernando Alonso’s uncertainty about his continuation in the category. Ben Sulayem advocated for additional concessions to allow the Japanese manufacturer to catch up with the other competitors.
The ADUO was created precisely to allow extra updates to power units that perform below the internal combustion engine power reference standard. Red Bull Powertrains-Ford was considered the benchmark in this regard, while Audi and Ferrari have already used their first opportunities provided by the mechanism.
Under current rules, Honda would be entitled to the same two updates in 2026 and another two in 2027 intended for Audi and Ferrari. Ben Sulayem’s proposal, however, seeks to go beyond these possibilities to try to keep Alonso in F1.
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Mekies recalled that teams have already accepted changes to the ADUO previously to benefit manufacturers who were further from the initially expected performance: “If there is a situation that needs to be corrected or supported, we usually find solutions,” said the Red Bull chief.
The official also indicated that the discussion about the future of the mechanism should take place among the teams: “At some point, we will sit down and discuss the future of the ADUO rules. We know some of the shortcomings and I am sure there will be choices to deal with them,” he added.
Ben Sulayem had stated, at a business forum held in Madrid before the Spanish GP, that he considered it unacceptable to see Alonso competing with such an uncompetitive car. According to the FIA president, the entity had already worked previously on measures to allow engine improvements and said that a new meeting had been held to discuss support for Honda.
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