Aston Martin will introduce its first major performance upgrade of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix later this month, as team principal Adrian Newey aims to reverse the team’s difficult campaign.
The Silverstone-based outfit, together with engine partner Honda, has spent much of the season near the back of the grid. Rather than releasing smaller updates throughout the year, Newey chose to delay development until the team could deliver one comprehensive upgrade package.
The new specification will feature significant aerodynamic revisions alongside a major weight reduction. While the front suspension remains unchanged, the rear suspension has been revised, and the car will also receive a new nose design and extensively reworked aerodynamic surfaces. Aston Martin’s objective is to bring the car close to Formula 1’s minimum weight limit.
The upgrade is scheduled to debut at the Hungarian Grand Prix on 24-26 July, following the British and Belgian Grands Prix.
Newey admitted Aston Martin’s disappointing start to the season stemmed from a combination of factors. His arrival at the beginning of March last year left limited time to complete the car’s design, while internal engineering processes also required significant restructuring.
According to Newey, the rushed development meant weight-saving opportunities were sacrificed, particularly as Aston Martin worked with Honda to solve vibration issues linked to integrating the power unit. He also acknowledged that the aggressive aerodynamic concept, which he largely championed, created challenges the team had not anticipated.
Although he believes the overall direction remains correct, he said the lack of time prevented the engineers from evaluating multiple design concepts before committing to the final package.
The renowned designer also revealed he dealt with health problems during the past year, forcing him to balance work with recovery. He said he has now recovered and praised Aston Martin’s engineering staff for maintaining progress during that period.
The success of the Hungarian upgrade could also influence Fernando Alonso’s future. The two-time world champion turns 45 this month and is out of contract at the end of the season. While Alonso has expressed his commitment to Aston Martin, he has yet to decide whether he will continue in Formula 1 or pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Newey said Alonso views the new package as an important milestone. He believes demonstrating clear progress will strengthen the Spaniard’s desire to remain with the team, highlighting Alonso’s experience, technical feedback and ability to guide car development as invaluable assets.
Despite describing the expected gains as substantial, Newey declined to predict a specific improvement in lap time. He explained that Aston Martin’s simulation tools are still being modernised after years of underinvestment, making accurate performance forecasts difficult.
The team hopes its updated engineering systems, combined with new development procedures introduced under Newey’s leadership, will deliver more reliable results than previous upgrade packages, some of which failed to produce the expected improvements on track.
Honda is also preparing an engine upgrade later this summer. The Japanese manufacturer’s current power unit is widely regarded as the weakest on the grid, with industry sources estimating it trails the leading engines by around 50kW (67bhp). However, the company has not confirmed when the revised engine will make its race debut.
Newey also clarified the responsibilities attached to his position as Aston Martin’s team principal. He explained that the title is required under FIA regulations but does not define every aspect of the role.
Instead, he said his primary responsibility is overseeing the team’s major strategic decisions, while owner Lawrence Stroll remains closely involved in those discussions. Following last year’s management reshuffle, former team boss Andy Cowell became chief strategy officer, focusing primarily on Aston Martin’s partnership with Honda. Cowell is expected to leave the organisation later this season.