Aston Martin introduced a comprehensive 16-part upgrade package at the Hungarian Grand Prix, delivering the team's first genuine midfield performance of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The upgrade, which included changes to every visible aerodynamic surface of the AMR26, effectively represents a B-spec car for the Silverstone-based outfit. Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll escaped Q1 for the first time this year, with Alonso qualifying 16th and Stroll progressing to 13th on the grid.
In the race, Alonso climbed from 16th to 14th, while Stroll rose to 13th, keeping pace with the lower midfield pack throughout the 70-lap encounter at the Hungaroring. Though neither driver scored points, the step forward marked a clear departure from the team's early-season struggles at the back of the grid.
Team owner Lawrence Stroll gave a positive assessment of the upgrades during an interview with Sky Sports F1 on the grid before the race.
"Obviously we've made a very big step forward," Stroll told Martin Brundle. "One of many to come. So yes, very satisfied. Thanks to all the hard work from all the boys and the girls at the factory to make it happen."
The Canadian billionaire described the improvements as a "good start," noting that the team's minimum objective for the Hungarian weekend was to compete with the midfield — a target that was achieved.
"We were in the mix with the midfield for the first time this year, so it's good," said Lance Stroll. "We just have to keep pushing. We took a big step this weekend, so we just have to keep pushing."
The upgrade package comes at a critical juncture for Aston Martin, who have been working intensively at their Silverstone factory since Adrian Newey joined the team midway through last season. The former Red Bull design chief's influence is expected to grow as further updates arrive in the second half of the campaign.
Honda will bring its new power unit to the Dutch Grand Prix immediately after the summer break. Before then, Aston Martin will conduct a filming day in Hungary this week to gather more data on the upgrade package.
Sources
- https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1101947/1/lawrence-stroll-gives-snap-verdict-aston-martin-f1-upgrades
