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Aston Martin upgrade shows promise as Stroll setback causes concern
Aston Martin's major overhaul debuted in Hungary with promising lap times from Fernando Alonso, although an unexpected suspension failure for Lance Stroll caused headaches.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-07-24T13:53:51.000Z - 2 min read
Aston Martin presented an almost entirely new Formula 1 car during free practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Following a challenging season so far, this sweeping update package was intended to provide the team with a much-needed boost. It marked a crucial test for the Silverstone-based outfit's ambitions.
Fernando Alonso immediately demonstrated the potential of the updated AMR26. He clocked the thirteenth fastest time, just 2.475 seconds slower than Charles Leclerc. This represents a significant step forward, considering the gap to the front had often hovered around four seconds earlier this year. Team principal Adrian Newey offered cautiously positive remarks regarding the preliminary results, though he emphasized that much work remains to fully understand the new car.
However, the day also brought an unexpected setback. Lance Stroll was forced to abandon his session early due to an issue with the left-rear suspension in Turn 3. Adrian Newey stated that the team is working with high priority to determine the cause of the failure. He stressed that the affected component was not part of the recent modifications, adding complexity to the investigation.
The transformation of the car is impressive. Only the front suspension, engine, and gearbox remained unchanged compared to the previous race in Belgium. The chassis has even been completely renewed and lightened, necessitating a full re-homologation by the FIA. Aston Martin noted it is handling available components with extreme caution due to limited spare stock.
This Hungarian update is merely the first phase of a broader development plan. The team already has further improvements lined up for the races in Monza and Baku. Furthermore, engine supplier Honda will introduce an upgraded power unit after the summer break at the Dutch Grand Prix, which should optimize performance even further.
Since his arrival in 2025 as technical partner and shareholder, and later as team principal in 2026, Adrian Newey has been the driving force behind this technical revolution. Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya expressed confidence that with Newey at the helm, it is only a matter of time before Aston Martin finds its way up the grid and secures sustained success.
For now, the team is focusing on analyzing the gathered data and resolving Stroll's unexpected suspension issue. The balance between Alonso's promising times and Stroll's technical hiccup will demand attention across the paddock over the coming days.