Aston Martin’s Honda engine upgrade could provide a power increase of nearly 30 bhp when it makes its expected race debut at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. The team remained at the Hungaroring after the Hungarian Grand Prix for a filming day focused primarily on evaluating the latest version of Honda’s power unit.
Third driver Jak Crawford took the wheel of the AMR26 and completed the 200 kilometres permitted under Formula 1’s filming-day regulations. The running allowed Aston Martin and Honda to gather valuable data before the upgraded engine is introduced in competition.
Aston Martin tests Honda engine upgrade at the Hungaroring
Early indications suggest that the latest Japanese power unit has resolved the vibration problems that emerged at the beginning of the season. Combined with Honda’s most recently homologated developments, the revised specification could deliver a power increase approaching 30 bhp.
Addressing those vibrations would represent an important step for Aston Martin after its difficult start to the 2026 campaign. The filming day also gave the team an opportunity to assess the power unit in the AMR26 following the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Honda engine and updated AMR26 expected at Zandvoort
The engine had already undergone dyno testing at Honda’s Sakura facility and is expected to make its race debut at Zandvoort. Its introduction should coincide with the updated version of the AMR26, which first appeared in Hungary with aerodynamic and chassis modifications developed under Adrian Newey’s supervision.
Fernando Alonso has already expressed confidence in the upgraded car and the prospect of further gains from the Aston Martin AMR26B. The Dutch Grand Prix will now provide the next important test of whether the combined chassis and power-unit developments can translate into a meaningful competitive improvement.
Upgrade could strengthen Aston Martin’s points challenge
Honda’s new engine is not yet believed to be on the same level as the leading power units on the Formula 1 grid. Nevertheless, the anticipated step forward could allow Aston Martin to challenge for points more consistently during the second half of the season.
Zandvoort will therefore be a particularly significant weekend for the Silverstone-based team. With the upgraded AMR26 and revised Honda power unit expected to appear together, Aston Martin will seek to establish whether its recent development work can narrow the gap to the midfield leaders. The complete 2026 Dutch Grand Prix schedule covers every session of the Sprint weekend.
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