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F1: Wolff says Honda needs more help
17 Sep
Summary
- Toto Wolff acknowledges Honda requires further assistance to compete.
- Fernando Alonso discussed Honda's performance with FIA President Ben Sulayem.
- F1's Additional Development Opportunities mechanism may be reviewed.
Mercedes F1 Chief Toto Wolff has acknowledged that Honda requires more assistance to achieve competitiveness as Aston Martin's engine partner. This statement follows conversations between Fernando Alonso and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem concerning the Japanese manufacturer's performance issues.
Honda has faced challenges with the current power unit regulations, leading to a U-turn on their departure from Formula 1. Their delayed entry meant a power unit that was underpowered and lacked reliability. Consequently, Honda qualified for the FIA's Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) catch-up mechanism, which provides development and budget cap headroom.
Despite these measures, Honda's initial improvements yielded modest results, with Alonso and Lance Stroll still struggling. Ben Sulayem expressed his concern, stating that a champion like Alonso should not leave the sport due to performance issues. Wolff indicated that while regulations are in place, adjustments might be necessary for the sport's benefit.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies also commented, noting that the sport aims to maintain an open view on regulations. He recalled a previous change to the ADUO regulations made earlier in 2026 to assist those significantly behind. Mekies suggested that stakeholders would likely discuss the future of ADUO regulations to address identified shortfalls.
