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Aston Martin Reveals First Signs of B-Spec in Hungary
Aston Martin has shown the first visible modifications of its long-awaited B-spec car at the Hungaroring, marking the start of a two-part major upgrade package.
By Ruben Smit - 2026-07-24T08:12:19.000Z - 2 min read
Aston Martin has provided the first glimpses of the long-awaited B-spec version of their 2026 Formula 1 car in Hungary. This major overhaul is structured as a two-stage upgrade, with the first phase introduced at the Hungaroring. The second, equally important step is scheduled for Zandvoort, where it will coincide with the sole engine update Honda is supplying for the 2026 season.
While little of the new specifications was visible on Thursday, the first concrete signs emerged in the Hungaroring garages on Friday morning. The cars featured a redesigned sidepod, a modified floor, and a revised rear wing. This marked the official debut of a significant portion of the expected changes.
Upon closer inspection, specific details indicating the team's new direction became visible. Notable additions included a larger 'mouse hole' cutout in the floor and a different actuator for the rear wing. These adjustments offer an initial glimpse into the philosophy behind the car's revised aerodynamics.
Heading into the race weekend, according to Mike Krack, Aston Martin's Chief Trackside Officer, there was a "million-dollar question" regarding the availability of enough parts to equip both cars with the upgrade. However, Krack sounded positive on Thursday, stating he was "pretty confident that we would be ready."
Krack further hinted at a shift in design philosophy. The team would be "taking a different direction" than before, stepping away from some of the more extreme design choices. Examples include the highly aggressive rear ride height of the current car, an aspect that may have been re-evaluated in the new B-spec.
Introducing such a comprehensive upgrade represents a stern test for the team's data and simulation tools. Krack emphasized that trackside engineers must understand the new configuration as quickly as possible, given the absence of extensive winter testing for comparative runs. Consequently, data quality and simulation comprehension are vital.
Aston Martin does not expect to unlock the maximum potential of the B-spec during its initial runs. The team needs to learn how to manage and extract the best from the package. Fundamental tests, including ride height and rake evaluations, will therefore take place gradually over upcoming events, indicating a learning curve spanning multiple races.