Aston Martin anticipates the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix will be the most challenging event of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Team Principal Mike Krack and driver Lance Stroll have both expressed significant concerns regarding the AMR26’s performance at Spa-Francorchamps.
Stroll stated that Spa is ‘probably the worst track for our AMR26,’ a sentiment echoed by Krack. The team expects a ‘really difficult’ weekend at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
The unique characteristics of the Belgian circuit, featuring its long lap and extensive full-throttle sections, are expected to expose the AMR26’s inherent weaknesses. This includes critical issues with energy management.
The Honda power unit, which currently propels the Aston Martin, is considered underpowered. Honda’s trackside chief Shintaro Orihara highlighted the difficulties in timing MGU-K deployment along Spa’s long straights.
Aston Martin has endured a difficult 2026 campaign, having secured only a single championship point this season. Fernando Alonso scored this point at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The team has been consistently battling against newcomers Cadillac at the rear of the field. This marks a significant downturn from previous seasons’ performance expectations.
A deliberate strategy saw Aston Martin forgo smaller, incremental upgrades earlier in the season. Instead, the team focused on developing a major ‘B-spec’ package.
This substantial upgrade is scheduled for introduction at the Hungarian Grand Prix next weekend. A further power unit update from Honda is also anticipated for the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break.
Krack has voiced concerns regarding the availability of spare parts for the upcoming Hungarian upgrade. Despite this, he remains confident that both cars will receive the new components.
Adrian Newey, now Team Principal, admitted that driver consultation during the AMR26’s development phase was insufficient. This has been identified as a contributing factor to the car’s current struggles.
Honda’s Orihara also noted the unpredictable weather conditions at Spa. Wet running could further complicate an already challenging weekend for Aston Martin.
The team faces the immediate challenge of the Belgian Grand Prix, which commenced today, Friday, July 17, before the anticipated upgrades arrive in Hungary.
