After another very difficult weekend in Spa-Francorchamps, the British team finally hopes to reverse the trend at the Hungarian Grand Prix thanks to a significant package of developments
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The 2026 season continues to be a nightmare for Aston Martin as new logistical problems could already complicate this attempted comeback.
At Spa, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were never able to compete with the rest of the field: the two drivers couldn’t even get below the 1’50” mark in qualifying, illustrating the enormous difficulties of the AMR26 on the longest circuit on the calendar.
The first major developments are finally arriving
Since the start of the championship, Aston Martin has brought almost no major developments to its single-seater. According to Spanish journalist Antonio Lobato, the team has essentially focused on adjustments to settings, powertrain management, and car operation.
« Aston Martin has not introduced any new parts since the start of the season, he writes. The car has remained the same. They have only modified its operation, power management, and certain operational aspects. So, we couldn’t expect miracles from one Grand Prix to the next. »
The situation must finally evolve this weekend at the Hungaroring, where Adrian Newey is expected to introduce the first real development package of the year. The objective is to reduce a deficit that has become considerable compared to the midfield teams.
A lack of parts is already a concern
But even before the first free practice sessions, Aston Martin is reportedly facing an unexpected problem. According to Lobato, the team is struggling to produce enough new parts to equip its two single-seaters and have a stock of spares.
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A situation that could become very problematic in case of an accident during the upcoming weekend: « From what I’m told, they are having difficulty manufacturing all the necessary parts for both cars. There will also be a lack of spare parts. »
« In Hungary, it would be better to avoid damaging the car, or even not touching it at all, because there might not be enough parts available, he warns. They are already at the limit. »
Expectations to temper
Even if the new parts brought a significant performance gain, Aston Martin would be starting from very far behind. The team regularly lags more than two seconds behind cars capable of reaching Q2, which means that the developments will have to produce a major effect to put Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll back in the fight for points.
The Hungaroring, much less dependent on engine power than Spa, could however better suit the characteristics of the AMR26. For Aston Martin, this Grand Prix could thus constitute a first real test of the work carried out by Adrian Newey since his arrival. Then, the Zandvoort deadline after the break should correspond to the highly anticipated evolution of the Honda engine.
Furthermore, speculations about a possible dismissal of Newey if these developments do not work are not based on any confirmed elements at this stage. They are more a matter of commentary and speculation than established information. Let’s remember that the English engineer is also a shareholder of Aston Martin F1 and, as such, relatively unshakeable…
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