RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesA 1.5-second pace deficit would typically send a two-time Formula 1 World Champion running for the exit, but for Fernando Alonso , Aston Martin’s 2026 trajectory is finally starting to point in the right direction.
Following a grueling start to their works partnership with Honda, the Silverstone-based outfit introduced a massive “B-spec” upgrade package at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The results were immediate, allowing Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll to finally climb out of the backmarker basement and actively fight with midfield rivals like Williams and Haas.
With the aerodynamic side of the garage finally finding correlation, attention is now turning to the powertrain—and the news is looking incredibly promising for Alonso’s future.
While the AMR26 chassis took a major step forward in Budapest, the Honda power unit still has ground to make up. According to an internal leak sourced from BBC Sport’s Andrew Benson , the team is currently operating with a 1.5-second engine deficit compared to the grid’s best packages.
However, rather than being a point of contention, that number is acting as a clear development roadmap. The same internal leak confirms that Honda expects to slash that deficit by a massive 0.5 seconds with their upcoming engine upgrade.
A Positive Outlook for Alonso
The combination of the successful Hungarian GP aero upgrades and the impending Honda power boost has radically shifted the mood inside the Aston Martin garage.
According to the BBC report, Alonso “seems inclined to CONTINUE” with the team. While the 45-year-old veteran is rightfully seeking assurances that the team will be fully competitive by 2027 before he officially signs a contract extension, his focus on the upcoming engine update proves he is fully engaged with the team’s development cycle.
If Honda’s next power unit upgrade delivers the expected 0.5-second jump—and the chassis continues to evolve on the solid baseline established in Hungary—Aston Martin will have proven they have the engineering firepower to fight at the front. For Alonso, that might be all the convincing he needs to commit to 2027.
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