Aston Martin targets Hungarian upgrade to retain Fernando Alonso

Aston Martin’s 2026 Formula 1 campaign has been hampered by an overweight AMR26, a under‑performing Honda power unit and delayed development, leaving the team at the back of the grid with only a single point. Team principal and designer Adrian Newey has admitted that internal mistakes – late start of the design programme, patched tools and a bold aerodynamic concept – contributed heavily to the poor results. He also revealed he was dealing with health problems earlier in the season, but said the team handled it well.

Newey confirmed that a major upgrade package will be introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The package keeps the basic chassis and gearbox architecture unchanged, but reduces weight on both, requires re‑homologation and crash testing, features a new nose, substantially revised aerodynamic surfaces and a slightly revised rear suspension while the front suspension remains the same. The goal is to get as close as possible to the minimum weight limit.

Newey stressed that the upgrade is “very important” for driver Fernando Alonso, who is 44 and has voiced the need for clear, tangible progress if he is to stay with the team for the 2027 season. While optimistic about a “large step”, Newey cautioned that simulation tools are not yet fully refined, so no specific performance figures were given. The team hopes the Hungarian update, scheduled before the summer break, will convince Alonso to remain and revive Aston Martin’s competitiveness.