Aston Marting to use just one Power Unit upgrade despite ADUO allowance

Honda Keeps to One Major Power Unit Step

Honda says it will introduce only one power unit improvement for Aston Martin this season, despite being eligible for two upgrade opportunities under Formula 1’s new ADUO framework.

That status gives Honda two chances to update its full power unit this season, plus another two tokens for 2027. Yet the Japanese manufacturer has chosen a more restrained path, targeting a single larger update around the summer period rather than splitting its development into two steps. For broader context on the scale of its current challenge, see our related analysis on how Honda warned Aston Martin’s power unit deficit could grow in Austria.

Orihara: ‘Not a Miracle’

“We are planning to introduce a new engine around summer. Then I don’t think we have another step in this year,” Orihara said.

Honda has several areas to address with its 2026 power unit, including performance, weight and reliability. Motorsport.com understands its Sakura operation has split resources into two separate groups: one focused on the ADUO-upgraded power unit for August, and another already pushing on with the 2027 project.

Orihara added: “We just focus on bringing a reasonable step around summer. We have a lot of races to complete. I would say there is not a small step, but not a miracle [either]. But we are working hard to bring some reasonable steps. Maybe before summer shutdown or after summer shutdown.”

Aston Martin Await Combined Progress

Audi and Ferrari have already moved with early ADUO-related upgrades, but Honda is sticking to its original plan. Asked about Audi’s swift rollout, Orihara replied: “They have their own project, and Honda has our own project. We focus on our project. We take a big risk to improve our performance.”

Aston Martin is also preparing a significant aerodynamic upgrade, although chief trackside engineer Mike Krack said the engine and car updates are not dependent on one another.

“Everyone is flat out because we want to get the maximum out of it,” Krack said. “We will bring it as soon as it is ready.”

Until then, Aston Martin is expected to remain near the foot of the field, with Fernando Alonso’s Monaco point still its only score after penalties reshuffled the finishing order.