Aston Martin used a permitted curfew exemption in Budapest as its mechanics worked to fit a major Hungarian Grand Prix upgrade package to both cars before Friday’s track action. The new components arrived from the factory at the last possible moment, forcing the British team to work beyond the restricted hours and use the first of the five exemptions available for that particular curfew period.
The weekend is especially important for Aston Martin because the package includes substantial changes intended to address one of the original car’s main weaknesses: excessive weight. The team is introducing a lighter chassis, gearbox revisions, a modified rear suspension and updated aerodynamic surfaces at the Hungaroring.
Aston Martin Hungarian GP upgrade targets weight reduction
The most significant expected benefit from the new package is a noticeable reduction in weight. The first Aston Martin designed under Adrian Newey’s technical direction had necessarily been completed in a short period, and one of its fundamental problems was that it sat considerably above Formula 1’s minimum weight limit.
Reducing that excess weight should provide a direct performance benefit because every unnecessary kilogram affects acceleration, braking, tyre behaviour and overall lap time. However, Adrian Newey has avoided making firm predictions about the scale of the immediate improvement expected in Budapest.
To homologate the new lighter chassis, Aston Martin had to complete another crash test involving the front section of the survival cell. That requirement reflects the extent of the structural changes rather than a simple revision to removable bodywork.
Lighter gearbox and revised rear suspension fitted to the AMR26
The gearbox casing has also been made lighter, while the rear suspension has undergone a minor revision. Together with the chassis work, these changes underline how extensive the development programme has been during the opening months of the season.
Aston Martin has also revised the car’s aerodynamic surfaces. The package is therefore not focused on one isolated area, but combines structural, mechanical and aerodynamic changes that the team hopes will produce an immediate gain on the stopwatch.
The Hungaroring will provide an important first test because its sequence of corners places considerable emphasis on aerodynamic load, balance and driver confidence. Fans can find the full timetable for the weekend in the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix schedule.
Aston Martin mechanics work beyond the Budapest curfew
With several components arriving from the factory only shortly before preparations had to be completed, Aston Martin’s mechanics worked beyond the overnight curfew to install the full package on both cars.
Formula 1’s regulations provide teams with a limited number of exceptions to the restricted working periods. Aston Martin used the first of its five available exemptions for the relevant time window, allowing the mechanics to finish assembling the upgraded cars in time for Friday’s running.
The focus will now turn to whether the lighter specification behaves as expected on track. Although the changes are extensive and should offer clear theoretical benefits, the team must still validate the package, understand its set-up requirements and confirm that the structural and aerodynamic revisions work together effectively.
For Aston Martin, Budapest is therefore more than a routine upgrade weekend. It represents the first opportunity to assess whether a significant programme led by Adrian Newey can reduce the car’s weight disadvantage and deliver an immediate step forward in performance.
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