In recent days, Aston Martin’s chief designer Adrian Newey announced the arrival of a significantly updated version of the team’s 2026 Formula 1 car. Known as the AMR26 B, the revised package is expected—at least on paper—to move the team back into the top 10 on a more consistent basis.
The car will retain a similar chassis and gearbox architecture but will feature a lower overall weight, a change that has required a new homologation. Aston Martin has also introduced subtle revisions to the rear suspension, a redesigned nose and several updated aerodynamic surfaces as part of the package.
Speaking during Thursday’s British Grand Prix press conference, Lance Stroll revealed that he has already driven the updated car and expects a significant step forward once it makes its official debut at the Hungarian Grand Prix later this month.
Alonso wants a car with fewer problems, not just a faster one
Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso, however, is not getting carried away by simulations, performance projections or engineering calculations currently being processed behind the scenes.
“At the moment we’re lacking downforce, power, gearbox performance, experience—pretty much everything of that nature. We need to carry out a proper analysis, we need to reorganise ourselves and we need to have a clear plan. For me, we will have taken an important step forward if the upgrades we introduce in Hungary solve some of the weaknesses that are making life so difficult for us at the moment.”
For Alonso, the priority is therefore not necessarily producing a dramatically faster car immediately, but delivering a package that is more complete, more consistent and capable of eliminating the issues that have limited Aston Martin’s competitiveness throughout the season.
A brief look toward the future
With the Formula 1 summer break approaching, attention has naturally shifted toward the driver market. During his recent announcement, Adrian Newey also suggested that the success of the AMR26 B package could play an important role in Fernando Alonso’s decision over whether to continue racing in Formula 1.
The Spaniard did not give a direct answer when asked about his future, but his closing remarks hinted that remaining with Aston Martin beyond this season remains a realistic possibility.
“If we see tangible progress in Hungary and we’re able to extract the maximum from the car, then I think that will give us a very clear direction to follow. It would provide us with excellent momentum heading into next year, and that’s the most important thing,” Alonso concluded, according to Autosport.com.
It is worth remembering that the AMR26 B will make its race debut in Hungary while still using Aston Martin’s current power unit. The new Honda engine is instead expected to arrive after the summer break, with its planned introduction at the Dutch Grand Prix.
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