Aston Martin debuts updated Honda engine during Hungaroring filming day

By Rohan Gupta — 29 July 2026 — 3 min read

Updated Power Unit on Track

Honda‘s updated power unit has been tested for the first time during an Aston Martin filming day at the Hungaroring circuit in Hungary. This on-track debut precedes its planned race introduction at the Dutch Grand Prix. The new engine is intended to complement a significant car upgrade package that Aston Martin introduced at the recent Budapest round, which included 16 developments for the AMR26.

These chassis modifications helped Fernando Alonso achieve the team’s first Q2 appearance of the season. In the race, Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll finished P13 and P14, respectively. Following the race event, Aston Martin, along with Alpine and Audi, remained at the Hungaroring to assist Pirelli with tyre testing before conducting their filming day.

Shintaro Orihara, Honda‘s Trackside General Manager and Chief Engineer, had previously confirmed the manufacturer’s plans during his review of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. He noted that Honda had been supporting the team with power unit integration and collecting vital data to prepare for the next race. Orihara stated that the introduction of the new-specification power unit in the Netherlands would be an important step.

Collaboration and Progress

Before the summer shutdown, the new engine was run in the AMR26 for the first time during the Wednesday filming day. A spokesperson for Honda‘s F1 operation confirmed that the engine had indeed been on track, with focus now shifting to further running at Zandvoort in just over three weeks. The filming day allowed for checking how the new engine integrates with the chassis, though teams are limited to 200km of running and must use specific demonstration tyres.

Mike Krack, Aston Martin‘s Chief Trackside Officer, recently discussed the improved working relationship between the team and Honda after a challenging start earlier in 2026. Krack explained that despite difficult moments, both parties committed to working together to overcome issues. He highlighted that discussions led to significant improvements in the relationship, both in the garage and engineering office, as well as in the technical collaboration between Aston Martin‘s factory in Silverstone and Honda‘s headquarters in Sakura.

Krack emphasised the need for professionalism in such situations, stating that going through these challenges helps in improvement. He expressed hope that if the team can become competitive again soon, they can reflect on the past months and acknowledge the positive lessons learned. The pace demonstrated by Aston Martin in Hungary, according to Krack, was consistent with their expectations, indicating that the upgrade package is effective.

Orihara agreed that the new engine is crucial for further progress, especially now that the chassis is performing well. He believes the power unit should contribute to improved lap times. While engine vibrations were noted during Friday’s practice in Hungary, both the team and engine supplier clarified these were not the same issues experienced at the start of the season. Fernando Alonso indicated that these vibrations were resolved after a new engine was installed for the remainder of the weekend, suggesting the previous unit might have been nearing the end of its operational life.

Alonso stressed the collaborative nature of the partnership, stating, “We are one team, we work together.” He noted that both sides are actively addressing each other’s weaknesses, with Honda initially helping with car weaknesses and now the chassis improvements aiding Honda. He acknowledged that there is still a considerable journey ahead but views this as a crucial first step, fostering confidence and trust between the factories for the coming months.

Source: formula1.com