Hungaroring sees Honda’s updated engine debut during Aston Martin filming day

By Arjun Nair / 29.07.2026

By Arjun Nair — 29 July 2026 — 4 min read

Updated Power Unit on Track

Honda’s updated power unit has made its initial track appearance during an Aston Martin filming day at the Hungaroring in Hungary. This development comes as the team prepares for the engine’s planned race debut at the Dutch Grand Prix. The new-specification power unit ran for the first time in the AMR26 chassis, marking a significant step for the partnership.

This engine update is intended to complement a substantial car upgrade package that Aston Martin introduced at the recent Budapest round. The AMR26 received 16 developments during this upgrade phase. These changes contributed to Fernando Alonso securing the team’s first Q2 appearance of the season. In the race, Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll finished 13th and 14th, respectively, improving on previous performances where they struggled to compete with other teams, including the Cadillac team.

Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Aston Martin, alongside Alpine and Audi, remained at the Hungaroring to assist Pirelli with tyre testing. This was followed by a dedicated filming day on Wednesday, during which the new Honda engine was tested. Teams are limited to 200km of running during filming days and must use special ‘demonstration’ tyres for these sessions.

Collaboration and Progress

Shintaro Orihara, Honda’s Trackside General Manager and Chief Engineer, had previously confirmed the manufacturer’s plans to introduce the new power unit. He stated that the filming day would provide a valuable opportunity to assess the new engine’s performance within the chassis. Orihara also noted that the team had collected vital data in Hungary that would be beneficial for the upcoming race.

The introduction of the new power unit in the Netherlands is considered an important step, especially now that the chassis upgrades are showing positive results. Orihara expressed that the power unit should contribute to improved lap times, helping the team to catch up to competitors. A spokesperson for Honda’s F1 operation confirmed that the new engine had indeed been on track during the filming day, with further running anticipated at Zandvoort in just over three weeks.

The relationship between Aston Martin and Honda has seen improvements after a challenging start in early 2026. Mike Krack, Aston Martin’s Chief Trackside Officer, explained that both parties have worked together more efficiently to overcome initial difficulties. He highlighted that despite tough moments, discussions and collaborative efforts between Aston Martin’s factory in Silverstone and Honda’s headquarters in Sakura have significantly strengthened their technical collaboration.

Krack emphasised the importance of professionalism and maturity in such situations, stating that the team and Honda are committed to improving their performance. He believes that if they can return to competitive form soon, they can reflect on the past six months and acknowledge the positive lessons learned. Alonso also commented on the partnership, acknowledging the pressure on Honda to improve but stressing that both sides are working as one team to address weaknesses. He noted that Honda initially assisted with car weaknesses, and now with chassis improvements, Aston Martin aims to support Honda. This collaborative approach is seen as crucial for gaining confidence and trust between both factories in the coming months.

Engine vibrations, which were a significant issue for Aston Martin and Honda at the beginning of 2026, reportedly reappeared on Friday in Hungary. However, both the team and engine supplier clarified that these were not the same issues experienced earlier in the season. Alonso indicated that these vibrations were “fixed completely” when a new engine was installed for the remainder of the weekend, suggesting the previous power unit might have been nearing the end of its operational life.

Looking Ahead to the Dutch Grand Prix

The focus is now on the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, where the new Honda power unit is scheduled to make its race debut. This event is seen as the next crucial step in the team’s efforts to enhance its performance and competitiveness. The team aims to build on the recent chassis upgrades and the initial testing of the new engine to achieve further progress on track.

The collaboration between Aston Martin and Honda continues to evolve, with both entities working towards shared goals. The successful integration and performance of the new power unit at Zandvoort will be a key indicator of their progress. The team will be looking to translate the positive outcomes from the filming day and the recent chassis improvements into stronger race results at the Dutch Grand Prix.

The Hungarian Grand Prix saw Fernando Alonso qualify 16th, a season-high for the team, demonstrating the initial impact of the chassis upgrades.

Source: formula1.com