Aston Martin will introduce two extensively revised AMR26 B-spec cars at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, with Adrian Newey combining a major aerodynamic package with significant weight reduction. The Silverstone team hopes the overhaul can move Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll from the back of the grid into contention for points, before Honda’s updated power unit arrives in the Netherlands.
Rather than toning down the most extreme features of the original AMR26, Newey has pushed several concepts even further. The result is effectively a new car, featuring a lighter chassis and gearbox alongside major changes to the bodywork, floor, cooling system, rear suspension and wings.
Aston Martin’s 2026 season effectively restarts in Hungary
Aston Martin’s 2026 season effectively begins again in Hungary, where the team will bring two completely new single-seaters. Until now, the AMR26 has received only minor detail changes rather than a genuine development package. While its rivals progressed in both development and performance, the green car slipped to the back of the grid and was even overtaken by newcomers Cadillac.
The wait for the radical AMR26 B-spec has tested the patience of Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll, and results are now required. The scale of the challenge was underlined at Spa-Francorchamps, where Aston Martin reportedly qualified two seconds behind the MAC-26, which itself was only the second-slowest car, while Fernando Alonso finished the race two laps down.
That context is important because Aston Martin’s immediate ambition is to climb from the rear of the field into the points-paying positions. It remains an enormous leap. When the Honda power unit equipped with two ADUO updates arrives in the Netherlands, the hope is reportedly for an improvement of 2.5 seconds. A gain of that magnitude cannot realistically be expected from the Budapest package alone.
AMR26 B-spec components face a late arrival in Budapest
As happened during the winter shakedown in Barcelona, all the new components are expected to arrive at the final possible moment. Aston Martin’s Silverstone factory has been under intense pressure to manufacture two complete versions of the revised car.
The monocoque has undergone the necessary FIA homologation crash tests. That might suggest the chassis architecture has been altered, but the principal change is actually a reduction in weight. Aston Martin also appears to have an older chassis available as a spare, and it should be capable of accommodating almost all the new components.
The scale and timing of the work follow earlier reports about Aston Martin’s race against time to deliver its Hungarian GP upgrade package.
Adrian Newey confirms major weight reduction
The gearbox casing is also new. It retains the same stiffness characteristics but has benefited from a significant reduction in weight. Adrian Newey made no attempt to conceal the scope of the work.
“Although the basic structure is similar, this is a major aerodynamic package combined with a significant reduction in weight,” the British designer admitted. “The aim is to get very close to the weight limit. We expect a big step forward, but I am reluctant to provide specific figures. We will see when the car takes to the track.”
Newey’s caution is understandable. If the AMR26 B-spec scores points immediately, it will provide clear evidence of progress and move Aston Martin forward in the standings. However, if Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll finish only narrowly outside the top 10, the same result could still be viewed as disappointing given the size of the overhaul.
New nose but unchanged front suspension
The nose and front wing have both been redesigned, although no images were initially available to reveal the details of those components. The front suspension remains identical to the previous version, as do the front wheel assemblies.
The suspension’s internal kinematics have not changed either, meaning the underlying mechanical arrangement has avoided a radical overhaul. The Aston Martin introduced before the summer break is scheduled to receive further updates in Madrid and Baku.
The Hungarian package is therefore only one stage of a wider recovery programme. The combined effect of the B-spec and the forthcoming Honda power-unit upgrade is expected to determine whether Aston Martin can rescue its 2026 season.
Newey pushes the AMR26 concept further
Some observers had suggested that the Hungarian version of the AMR26 would represent a retreat from the more extreme solutions previously introduced by Newey. That is not the case. On the rear suspension, an upper multi-link arm now attaches to the rear-wing support pylon approximately 30mm higher than before.
The bodywork has also been revised. The radiator inlet at the top of the sidepod is now smaller, but a long lower tray helps improve both the quality and volume of the airflow directed towards the cooling system.
The sidepod retains its deeply sculpted undercut. This indicates that Aston Martin does not intend to use the sidewall as a barrier to push airflow losses away from the main body of the car.
Reworked bargeboard targets stronger outwash
Newey has redesigned the bargeboard behind the front wheel. Based on the first images, it is smaller and appears intended to produce a significantly stronger outwash effect.
The two elements at the base of the vertical component slope downwards and point outwards. The main profile was still missing from the initial assembly, while the forward element had developed into a shape resembling a truncated pyramid. It is an unusual solution that will be particularly interesting to follow once the AMR26 B-spec reaches the track.
Completely new floor aims to correct downforce weakness
The floor is entirely new. In addition to using lighter construction, it has been designed to generate more aerodynamic load, addressing one of the principal weaknesses displayed by the original AMR26. Particular attention will therefore be paid to the vortex generators positioned along the floor’s leading edge.
The rear of the car will feature a small flap that partially obstructs the exhaust outlet, allowing the hot gases to be exploited for aerodynamic purposes. However, the effect is expected to be limited compared with Ferrari’s original FTM solution.
Adopting Ferrari’s complete concept would have required Aston Martin to redesign the gearbox and relocate the differential. That investment was not considered worthwhile because the solution will be banned in 2027.
New Aston Martin rear wing adopts Mercedes-style hangers
The rear wing is also completely new, although it was not initially ready in its final form because some components were only due to arrive during the afternoon. Aston Martin resisted the temptation to adopt the reverse flaps used by Ferrari and Red Bull, preferring not to introduce too many new variables at once.
The endplates have nevertheless been revised and now include the hanger-style elements first introduced by Mercedes near the outer edges of the flap’s trailing edge. The decision illustrates how Aston Martin has selectively studied its rivals while continuing to pursue Newey’s own interpretation of the 2026 regulations.
Ferrari and Red Bull have followed a different rear-wing direction, including concepts associated with the latest Ferrari “Macarena” wing specification.
The Hungarian Grand Prix will provide the first indication of whether Aston Martin’s weight reduction and aggressive aerodynamic redesign can achieve the hoped-for step. Immediate points for Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll would confirm that the team has begun to recover, while another weekend near the rear would intensify the pressure ahead of Honda’s planned ADUO upgrade.
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