Lance Stroll has described Aston Martin’s major Hungarian Grand Prix upgrade as a “giant step” and potentially the biggest improvement in the team’s history, after the extensively revised car immediately delivered encouraging results at the Hungaroring. Attention now turns to Zandvoort, where a new Honda power unit is set to arrive as Aston Martin looks to continue its progress during the second half of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Aston Martin introduced what was effectively a B-spec version of its car in Hungary, with one of the key changes being a significant reduction in weight. The benefits were immediately visible: Fernando Alonso managed to survive the Q1 cut and reach Q2 for the first time this season, providing an early indication that the revised package had moved the team in the right direction.
Lance Stroll calls Aston Martin Hungary upgrade a ‘giant step’
Lance Stroll underlined the scale of Aston Martin’s progress with the new package, describing it as one of the most encouraging developments the team has experienced in a very long time.
“It was the most encouraging improvement we’ve had, I think, in a very long time, perhaps the biggest in the history of this team,” Lance Stroll said, according to RacingNews365.com. “We’ve taken a giant step.”
The progress represents an important boost for Aston Martin after a difficult opening phase of the campaign. Fernando Alonso has also expressed optimism over the team’s revised machinery, with the Spaniard backing the Aston Martin AMR26B as the team targets further gains.
However, Lance Stroll stopped short of suggesting that Aston Martin has suddenly established itself as the leading force in Formula 1’s midfield. Instead, the Canadian believes the upgrade has at least brought the team back into a position where it can realistically compete with its closest rivals.
“We’re not the best of the midfield, but at least we’re in contention to fight with them,” Lance Stroll added.
Aston Martin Honda upgrade arrives at Zandvoort
The next major step will come from Honda. A revised power unit is scheduled to arrive for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, adding another important variable as Aston Martin attempts to build on the gains made with its B-spec car.
Honda has worked particularly on the combustion process in an effort to make it faster, with modifications made to the pistons and pre-chamber. The Japanese manufacturer’s changes will therefore provide Aston Martin with another opportunity to improve its overall package when Formula 1 resumes in the Netherlands.
“At Zandvoort we’ll find out what step forward we’ll make with the engine,” Lance Stroll explained.
The Dutch Grand Prix will consequently provide an important first indication of how much the revised Honda unit can contribute alongside Aston Martin’s improved chassis. Zandvoort’s characteristics should also offer a different technical examination from the Hungaroring, making it useful for assessing whether the progress seen in Hungary can be maintained on another circuit.
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort therefore represents an important next test for Aston Martin as both its updated car and Honda’s latest development come under scrutiny.
Lance Stroll expects Aston Martin to remain behind Mercedes on power-sensitive circuits
Despite the optimism surrounding Honda’s development, Lance Stroll is keeping expectations under control. The Aston Martin driver does not expect the new power unit to immediately reach the level of Mercedes, particularly at circuits where engine performance has a greater influence on overall lap time.
“In any case, I don’t expect a power unit at the level of the Mercedes,” Lance Stroll said. “On circuits where the engine matters a lot, like Monza and Baku, we’ll be behind. We’ll have to take advantage of the opportunities at circuits where grip matters.”
That assessment highlights the challenge Aston Martin still faces despite the significant progress made in Hungary. The B-spec car has provided a stronger platform and brought the team closer to the midfield battle, but its competitiveness could continue to fluctuate depending on circuit characteristics and the relative importance of power, aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip.
Honda focuses on combustion with revised pistons and pre-chamber
Honda’s new power unit is expected to make its debut in the Netherlands at Zandvoort. The Japanese manufacturer has concentrated particularly on improving combustion speed, modifying both the pistons and the pre-chamber as part of its latest development work.
For Aston Martin, the timing is significant. The substantial chassis changes introduced in Budapest have already delivered an encouraging step, and the Honda update offers another opportunity to improve the overall package as the second half of the season begins.
Whether that combination is enough to establish Aston Martin as a consistent midfield contender remains to be seen. Lance Stroll’s assessment nevertheless makes the immediate objective clear: the Hungary upgrade has brought the team back into the fight, while Zandvoort will reveal how much more performance the latest Honda development can add.
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