Aston Martin took a significant step in the 2026 Formula 1® season by introducing an upgraded version of their AMR26 car at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This marked the first race weekend featuring the new package, which aimed to enhance the team’s competitiveness as they entered the second half of the championship.
Fernando Alonso managed to reach Q3 in qualifying for the first time this season, signaling some progress with the updated car. In the race, Lance Stroll finished 13th, his best result so far this year, while Alonso came home 14th. Both drivers noted improvements, particularly in the early stages of the race, where the upgraded car allowed Aston Martin to keep pace with midfield rivals.
Alonso described the Hungarian Grand Prix as a “new start of the championship” for Aston Martin’s campaign in 2026. He highlighted the positive impact of the upgrades but also pointed out that further development is necessary, especially to improve straight-line speed. The team plans additional updates, including chassis modifications and an upgraded power unit, expected to debut at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Lance Stroll expressed encouragement about the progress made with the upgraded AMR26, noting that the team took a positive step forward in Hungary. Both drivers’ feedback suggests that Aston Martin is working to close the gap to the midfield pack, although challenges remain.
The upgrades introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix appear to have improved the car’s performance in race conditions, particularly during the opening laps. However, Alonso emphasized that straight-line speed remains an area requiring attention to enhance overall competitiveness. The planned power unit update and chassis improvements are part of Aston Martin’s ongoing effort to strengthen their package for the races ahead.
This phase of the season is crucial for Aston Martin as they seek to build momentum. The reflections from Alonso and Stroll after Hungary underline a cautious optimism grounded in tangible progress rather than dramatic shifts. The team’s focus remains on incremental gains and addressing specific performance areas as the championship continues.
The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend provided a clearer picture of where Aston Martin stands with their upgraded car. While the results were modest in terms of finishing positions, the improvements in qualifying and race pace offer a platform for further development. The upcoming updates scheduled for the Dutch Grand Prix will be closely watched to see if they can deliver the expected performance boost.
