First details of Honda's new F1 engine emerge after track debut: around 30hp gain and vibrations cured

The first details of Honda's new-specification Formula 1 engine have emerged after it ran on track for the first time. The Japanese manufacturer's new power unit made its debut during an Aston Martin filming day at the Hungaroring on Wednesday, ahead of its planned introduction at next month's Dutch Grand Prix.

Initial indications are reportedly positive, with Motorsport Italy claiming the new Honda PU could bring a gain of around 30hp. The troublesome vibrations that hampered Aston Martin at the start of the season also appear to have been cured.

The new engine will mark Honda's first ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) of the 2026 season, following the successful debut of a major upgrade package for Aston Martin at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The team brought no fewer than 16 new developments to its so-called B-spec AMR26, which enabled Fernando Alonso to reach Q2 and qualify a season-high 16th.

Team principal and technical director Adrian Newey confirmed the Hungary upgrade was just the first step of the team's planned development programme. "The provisional results are promising. It's only part of the package, so we'll have some more steps in Zandvoort and then further steps in Monza and Baku," he said. It is hoped the combination of the upgraded power unit and a substantial set of chassis upgrades can rescue what has been a nightmare campaign for Aston Martin and Honda so far this season.

Sources

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