Aston Martin's Hungary Upgrade: What's Changed and What's Next

Aston Martin is in the spotlight this weekend as they introduce a long-awaited upgrade package at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This comes after a difficult start to the 2026 season, where expectations fell short once the rubber met the road. Expectations were high when design guru Adrian Newey joined the team, and the AMR26's debut at the Barcelona Shakedown only added to the buzz. George Russell even called it "pretty spectacular"—though he wisely noted that it's not a beauty contest but a speed game. Unfortunately, the car's looks didn't translate into competitive times, with the chassis and Honda's new power unit underperforming. As a result, Alonso and Stroll found themselves battling at the back, with persistent vibrations limiting their race day potential. In Spa, the car was over two seconds adrift, a sobering gap for a team with high aspirations. Newey admits the team was playing catch-up from the start, beginning serious work on the 2026 car much later than rivals. They were relying on outdated tools and processes, some tracing back to the days of Jordan F1. This tough period, however, has served as a catalyst for change. Rather than piecemeal updates, Aston Martin opted for a comprehensive overhaul, targeting Hungary for significant changes. The decision wasn't easy, as it meant enduring ten long weekends of stagnation. But Newey believes it's a necessary step for a stronger second half of the season, with even bigger gains expected next year. The Hungarian package includes substantial weight reduction and aerodynamic improvements, though the core structure remains. "We're predicting a large step," Newey says, cautiously avoiding specific numbers until the car hits the track. The team's priority is simple: get back to racing. Trackside Officer Mike Krack states, "For us, the most important is that we go back racing," as recent events have felt less like competition and more like damage control. With the period of no upgrades behind them, the team is eagerly anticipating Budapest. Honda will play its part, too, with a new engine coming up in the Netherlands. The relationship between Aston Martin and Honda has strengthened through adversity, with both sides committed to emerging from this challenging spell together. Reserve driver Jak Crawford has also been instrumental, contributing through simulator work and on-track sessions alongside Alonso and Stroll. He's optimistic about the upgrades, seeing them as a step toward the team's future success. Whether these changes will propel Aston Martin forward remains to be seen, but the effort across the team is undeniable. They're determined to put these "tough times" behind them and look confidently toward the races ahead.