Hungary Grand Prix: Aston Martin introduces major car upgrade
Aston Martin is set to introduce a significant upgrade package at the Hungarian Grand Prix, aiming to improve its performance after a challenging start to the 2026 season. The team’s driver, Fernando Alonso, expressed optimism about the changes but also urged caution regarding immediate expectations.
The upgrade includes a heavily revised car with reduced weight, a new chassis, and substantial aerodynamic modifications. This marks the team’s first major upgrade of the year, following a period where their car and engine performance fell below competitive levels. Aston Martin opted to introduce these new components all at once, a departure from the more common strategy of gradual, smaller upgrades, to efficiently manage their budget under the sport’s spending cap.
Team’s strategy and challenges
Adrian Newey, Aston Martin‘s chief technical officer, explained that the decision to delay upgrades was a deliberate, albeit difficult, one. He noted that the team quickly realised they would not be competitive in the early races, leading to a choice to halt developments in the first half of the year. This allowed them to reorganise, implement new systems, and conduct thorough research for future improvements, particularly for the 2026 car.
The team’s performance has notably declined, especially at high-speed circuits like Silverstone and Spa, where the limitations of their Honda engine were more apparent. Even on corner-dependent tracks such as the Spanish Grand Prix, Aston Martin was significantly off the pace of leading midfield teams. Newey acknowledged that the team started serious work on the 2026 car later than rivals, contributing to their performance deficit.
Mike Krack, Aston Martin‘s Chief Trackside Officer, emphasised the goal of the upgrades is to enable the team to compete effectively again. He stated that the period without upgrades is now over, and the team is looking forward to seeing the impact of the new package in Budapest.
Alonso’s outlook and future
Fernando Alonso, who will turn 45 on 29 July, is currently weighing his future in Formula 1 as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Despite his commitment to Aston Martin long-term, his decision to continue racing will not solely depend on the performance of the new upgrade package.
Alonso has expressed concerns about the high levels of energy management required by the current generation of F1 engines, finding it less enjoyable to drive. He noted that recent races at Silverstone and Spa were not fun, highlighting a desire for more adrenaline from the sport. However, he believes the team will resolve its issues, stating his confidence in Adrian Newey to eventually deliver a top-tier car and in Honda to address engine problems.
The Honda engine itself will not receive an update this weekend, with the Japanese manufacturer planning to introduce a development engine at the Dutch Grand Prix, which follows Formula 1‘s four-week summer break. Shintaro Orihara, Honda‘s Trackside General Manager and Chief Engineer, noted that working through difficult moments has strengthened the relationship between Aston Martin and Honda.
Alonso‘s decision is not based on the team’s current performance, which he views as unrepresentative of their true potential. He remains motivated and feels fast, but his continued participation in F1 hinges on finding enjoyment and the necessary adrenaline from racing. He is looking for evidence that the team has understood and begun to fix its problems, aiming for what he terms a “gain in trust on what we are doing.”
The new package for Hungary focuses on weight reduction and aerodynamic changes, with the aim of getting the car closer to the weight limit. While the team anticipates a significant improvement, specific lap time gains are yet to be confirmed on track. Lance Stroll, Alonso‘s teammate, has also voiced frustration with the car’s current performance, describing it as having no strengths. Reserve driver Jak Crawford has been instrumental in the development push, contributing hours in the simulator, where he has already tested the upgraded AMR26.
The Hungarian Grand Prix is expected to be a more favourable circuit for Aston Martin due to its slower nature, which should alleviate some engine management issues. Alonso will be closely observing the initial steps with this new package.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
