Fernando Alonso has tempered expectations for Aston Martin’s significant B-spec AMR26 upgrade, which debuts at the Hungarian Grand Prix. He stated that no single update can overcome the two-second deficit the team experienced at Spa-Francorchamps.
The heavily revised car will be used for the first time during Friday’s first practice session in Budapest. The team has faced a difficult 2026 season, scoring only a single point in Monaco, which places them just ahead of newcomers Cadillac in the constructors’ standings.
At the previous race in Belgium, both Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll were eliminated in the first part of qualifying. They were over two seconds slower than the nearest Cadillac, a gap Alonso described as insurmountable with one package.
‘I think we had the guy in front of us 2.1 seconds ahead, so there is no package in the world that will give you that amount of time.’
The upgrade is part of a new development direction for the team. Team principal Adrian Newey confirmed the package includes a new nose, revised rear suspension, and significant aerodynamic surface changes, alongside a major weight reduction effort.
Mike Krack, chief trackside officer, confirmed both cars will have the new specification for the weekend. The team opted for one large update package rather than the incremental developments favoured by rivals.
Alonso explained this strategy meant Aston Martin fell behind as other teams consistently brought minor improvements throughout the first part of the season. He is more focused on understanding the car’s new direction than on immediate results.
This chassis update is the first of a two-stage plan. A significant Honda power unit upgrade is scheduled for the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break. The engine has been a notable weakness, with Honda believed to have the least powerful unit on the grid.
The situation at Aston Martin has been noted by competitors. Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas mentioned hearing ‘rumours’ of significant gains, indicating the paddock is watching Aston Martin’s progress closely.
