Adrian Newey Confirms Major Aston Martin Upgrade for Hungarian Grand Prix

Posted : 30 June 2026

Aston Martin technical chief Adrian Newey has confirmed that the team's first major performance upgrade of the Formula 1 season will be introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix later this month, with hopes of transforming a difficult campaign.

The Silverstone-based outfit, which has struggled near the back of the grid alongside engine partner Honda, opted against introducing smaller upgrades throughout the season. Instead, Newey decided the team would focus its resources on delivering one substantial package capable of producing a meaningful improvement.

According to Newey, the upgrade centers on a significant reduction in the car's weight as well as extensive aerodynamic revisions. While the front suspension will remain unchanged, the rear suspension has been slightly modified. The package also includes a redesigned nose and heavily revised aerodynamic surfaces, all aimed at bringing the car much closer to Formula 1's minimum weight limit.

The upgrade is scheduled to make its race debut at the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 24-26, following the British and Belgian Grands Prix.

Newey admitted Aston Martin's disappointing start to the season resulted from a combination of factors. His arrival at the team in early March last year meant the car was designed under tight time constraints, while he also discovered that several internal engineering and organizational processes required significant improvement.

He explained that designing under pressure often leads to compromises, with weight optimization typically becoming one of the first areas to suffer. Aston Martin also encountered integration challenges with the Honda power unit, including vibration issues that further increased the car's weight.

The renowned designer acknowledged that some of the team's aerodynamic choices had also proved more complicated than anticipated. He said Aston Martin pursued an ambitious development direction without having sufficient time to fully evaluate alternative concepts, creating unexpected challenges despite believing the overall philosophy remains sound.

Newey also revealed he faced personal health issues during the development period, admitting he was not at full strength for part of last year. However, he praised Aston Martin's engineering staff for maintaining strong collaboration throughout his recovery, allowing the project to continue without major disruption.

The success of the upcoming upgrade could also play an important role in Fernando Alonso's future with the team. The two-time Formula 1 world champion, who turns 45 this year, is out of contract at the end of the season and has yet to decide whether he will continue racing in Formula 1 or pursue other opportunities.

Newey believes Alonso is eager to see tangible progress before making that decision. He described the Spaniard as a vital asset because of his experience, technical feedback, and ability to guide development, adding that a competitive step forward would strengthen Alonso's commitment to remain with Aston Martin.

Although Newey expects the upgrade to deliver a significant improvement, he declined to predict exactly how much performance it will unlock. He explained that Aston Martin's simulation systems are still being modernized, making it difficult to accurately forecast the gains before the new package reaches the track.

The veteran engineer acknowledged that the team has previously introduced upgrades that failed to deliver the expected results during race weekends. However, he stressed that this latest development has been produced using new engineering procedures and updated simulation tools implemented under his leadership.

In addition to the chassis improvements, Honda is also expected to introduce an engine upgrade later this summer. The current power unit is understood to trail the strongest engines on the grid by a considerable margin, although neither Aston Martin nor Honda has confirmed when the revised engine package will make its debut.

Adrian Newey Confirms Major Aston Martin Upgrade for Hungarian Grand Prix

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