Aston Martin’s significant upgrade
Aston Martin is set to introduce a substantial upgrade package at the Hungarian Grand Prix, aiming to improve its performance after a challenging start to the 2026 season. The team has opted for a single, comprehensive upgrade rather than a series of smaller ones, a strategy driven by budget efficiency within the sport’s spending cap. This approach, however, has seen the team fall further behind competitors in recent races.
The revised car features a new chassis, contributing to less weight, and significant aerodynamic changes. Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey indicated that the team made a difficult decision to delay developments in the first half of the year to better organise and research for future improvements. This initial phase of upgrades is expected to be followed by a Honda engine update at the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break.
Fernando Alonso expressed optimism about the upgrade but cautioned against high expectations, noting that the Hungaroring circuit is more favourable for Aston Martin as power is less critical there. He emphasised understanding the car’s direction and whether the team is on a path to unlock its performance. Alonso also highlighted that his decision regarding his future in Formula 1 will not solely depend on the upgrade’s performance.
Performance challenges and driver sentiment
The Aston Martin AMR26 has faced significant challenges since its debut, with both the chassis and power unit falling short of expectations. At the season opener in Australia, the team qualified at the back of the grid, and chronic vibrations affected race day performance. More recently, at Spa-Francorchamps, Alonso and Lance Stroll were significantly off the pace, with Alonso exiting Q1 in 21st place, over 4 seconds behind the leading pace.
Newey acknowledged that the team started serious work on the 2026 car in mid-March 2025, placing them several months behind rivals. He also noted that the team was relying on outdated tools and processes. Despite the difficulties, Newey believes this period has provided an opportunity to overhaul their working methods and emerge stronger.
Alonso has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current generation of F1 cars, particularly the energy management requirements on high-speed circuits like Silverstone and Spa. He stated that these races were not enjoyable to drive or watch. His decision to continue in F1 hinges on finding enjoyment and the necessary adrenaline from the sport, rather than solely on the team’s performance. He remains committed to Aston Martin for the long term, regardless of his decision to stay in F1.
Team expectations and future outlook
Chief Trackside Officer Mike Krack stated that the most important goal for the team with these upgrades is to return to competing within the midfield. He acknowledged the difficult period without upgrades but expressed optimism for the future, noting that the team has achieved its goals regarding aerodynamic changes and weight reduction. The aim is to get the car very close to the weight limit.
The collaboration between Aston Martin and Honda has reportedly strengthened through the challenging times, with both parties working to address issues. Shintaro Orihara, Honda’s Trackside General Manager and Chief Engineer, noted that tough moments provide learning opportunities and help build stronger relationships. Krack echoed this sentiment, highlighting improved communication and technical collaboration between the Silverstone factory and Honda’s Sakura headquarters.
Reserve driver Jak Crawford has been instrumental in the development push, contributing through simulator work and real-life runs, including sampling the upgraded AMR26. Alonso believes that Newey will eventually deliver a top-tier car and that Honda will resolve its power unit issues, but he is keen to see the initial steps with the new package at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Lance Stroll also voiced his frustration with the current car’s performance, stating there are no strengths and that the team can only improve. He highlighted issues such as high-speed aero stalls, understeer, corner entry instability, poor driveability, and a lack of downforce. The upcoming Honda engine update for Zandvoort is also under pressure to deliver improvements, as the company is reportedly battling detonation problems in the combustion chamber.
Alonso, who turns 45 on 29 July, is out of contract at the end of the season.
Source: bbc.co.uk