Overview
- Honda completed first on-track laps of its new-spec power unit during a filming day on Wednesday at the Hungaroring, with Jak Crawford driving the AMR26.
- Honda and Aston Martin have confirmed the upgraded engine is scheduled to be homologated for competitive use at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort after the summer break.
- Multiple reports say the new unit ran without obvious vibration and is rumoured to deliver about a 40-horsepower increase, though those figures remain unverified until race running.
- Aston Martin introduced a large Adrian Newey-led 16-part chassis package at the Hungarian Grand Prix that produced better qualifying and race pace, including Alonso reaching Q2 and the team finishing 13th and 14th.
- The upgrade programme was enabled by the FIA’s ADUO homologation windows and needs official session and race validation to confirm whether combined chassis and engine steps close Aston Martin’s season-opening performance gap.