Aston Martin to Introduce First Major 2026 Upgrade at Hungarian Grand Prix

The BBC reported that Aston Martin will introduce its first major performance upgrade of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 24-26. Team principal Adrian Newey said the changes center on substantial weight reduction and major aerodynamic revisions, including a new nose and revised aerodynamic surfaces.

Newey stated the front suspension remains unchanged while the rear suspension receives minor revisions.

The target is to bring the car close to the minimum weight limit. Both drivers will receive the updated car, which required re-homologation and crash testing of the forward chassis after weight removal. Aston Martin and Honda have sat at the back of the field this season, an average of 3.4 seconds off the pace.

Newey attributed the slow start to a late car design that began after his arrival in March 2025 and to organizational processes that were not fit for purpose. He noted chassis weight issues also stemmed from integrating the Honda power unit and addressing vibration problems. Newey, 67, said he had been ill and not fully fit last year but the team managed the period without major disruption.

He added that historical simulation tools at the team lacked sufficient sophistication and that new investment is now underway. The BBC reported that Newey took the team principal role in November 2025 after Andy Cowell moved to chief strategy officer, a position from which Cowell is expected to leave later in 2026. Newey said key strategic decisions rest with him and owner Lawrence Stroll.

Newey said the upgrade's performance could influence Fernando Alonso's decision on racing beyond this season. The 45-year-old driver is out of contract at the end of 2026 and has scored the team's only point so far, in Monaco.