The teams are ready to change the regulations to help Honda.

      Honda may receive additional support in its efforts to improve its power unit. According to The Race, competing manufacturers are considering changes to key points of the regulations regarding engine upgrades.

      Honda has had a tough start to the 2026 season. Engine vibration issues have affected both speed and reliability, and now the Japanese engine builders and the Aston Martin team face a serious challenge to make up for lost ground.

      The Formula 1 regulations provide opportunities for progress under the ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) mechanism; however, the scale of Honda's deficit is such that even these measures may not be enough. Therefore, in recent weeks, discussions have been held between Formula 1 management and power unit manufacturers on how to create conditions for Honda to return to a higher level.

      Despite the traditional reluctance of Formula 1 participants to change regulations in favor of competitors, there is a prevailing opinion in the paddock that the current situation at Honda is not beneficial for anyone. As part of ongoing negotiations regarding possible support measures, sources report that a revision of one of the key points of the regulations is being considered.

      Currently, manufacturers receive additional opportunities for upgrades if their internal combustion engine falls short of the benchmark after certain stages of the season.

      If the deficit is 2%, one upgrade is allowed in 2026 and another in 2027. However, if the deficit is 4% or more, two upgrades are permitted in the current season and another two in the next.

      Additionally, obtaining such opportunities provides more freedom in spending and testing within the budget constraints for power units. However, there is an important limitation in the current regulations: having received concessions under ADUO, the power unit manufacturer cannot count on them again during the same season.

      According to The Race, a revision of this limitation is currently being discussed so that a manufacturer significantly trailing behind the leaders is not restricted in the scope of upgrades.

      In particular, this could lead to the situation where if Honda does not reduce its deficit to less than 4% in the second half of the season, the Japanese engine builders could receive additional concessions again in both development and budget constraints, as well as the right to implement a greater number of upgrades.