Toto Wolff's support for adjusting ADUO regulations to aid Honda is more than just a gesture. The Mercedes team principal sees it as a move to ensure competitive fairness in an increasingly tight Formula 1 grid. His comments came after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem held intense talks with Fernando Alonso about Aston Martin and Honda's turbulent season.
Alonso is enduring a tough season with the Silverstone-based team, as late development of the AMR26 and Honda's power unit issues have left him rooted to the bottom of the standings. The ADUO regulations were introduced to allow struggling manufacturers to upgrade their power units and close the gap to rivals. Aston Martin and Honda have benefited, with the deficit on the grid starting to shrink.
Ben Sulayem Opens Dialogue with Alonso
Speaking at a business forum in Madrid, Ben Sulayem candidly recounted his discussions with Alonso. He explained that his approach put the onus on the driver to define what support was needed. "We did something earlier in May, legally, for the team, towards the engine, to go and improve," he said. "Then I said to him, 'I'm not going to tell you what we are going to do. Please tell me what you want because you are the driver; tell me what you want us to do to improve these results'."
According to Ben Sulayem, that conversation shifted the dialogue between the parties. "Suddenly you see everything change, and then I get a call, and then I had a meeting yesterday," he added. "We are here also to support."
Meanwhile, Wolff, also present at the Madring, emphasised that ADUO was designed as a catch-up mechanism. "I think the ADUO in that case was designed as a catch-up mechanism, and that formula was unlocked for Honda," Wolff said. "And they need more. And I think the conversation that the president had with Alonso is fair enough."
Support for Honda for Healthy Competition
Wolff stressed that the sport benefits from having manufacturers like Honda competitive at the front. "You know, we want to have all of these top constructors in the sport," he said. "We want them to be competitive and successful." He added that regulatory flexibility should remain part of the FIA's approach when circumstances demand it. "And rules are built to do the best for the sport, and sometimes maybe there needs an adjustment," Wolff said. "So, fair enough conversation."
Neither Wolff nor Ben Sulayem detailed what specific adjustments to the ADUO regulations might be considered. However, the discussions signal that the FIA is open to changes to maintain competitiveness and Alonso's future in F1. Speculation about the Spaniard's retirement is mounting, and regulatory flexibility could be key to keeping him on the grid.
With regulations under constant review, the future of Aston Martin and Honda in F1 will depend heavily on how far the FIA is willing to bend the rules. One thing is clear: Wolff and Ben Sulayem agree that the sport needs all manufacturers to be competitive.
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