Progress on the Chassis, Regression on the Engine
Aston Martin’s 2026 season has been a story of two very different trajectories. The team’s new AMR26 chassis, developed under Adrian Newey, has shown real progress since a major upgrade at the Hungaroring. Its Honda power unit, however, took a step backward at Zandvoort, according to Fernando Alonso.
A Tough New Partnership
- 2026 marks Honda’s full return to Formula 1 as a works engine supplier, its first since leaving Red Bull in 2021
- Pre-season testing was disrupted by reliability issues in Bahrain
- A B-spec chassis introduced in Hungary cut the race-pace deficit from over five seconds a lap to roughly two
- A revised Honda power unit debuted at Zandvoort but reportedly cost the team handling and gear-shift feel
Alonso’s Honest Assessment
Despite the engine setback, Alonso delivered one of the drives of the weekend, climbing from 18th on the grid to ninth at the finish, only Aston Martin’s second points finish of 2026. He described the new engine spec as a step back to square one, while insisting the team needs two or three more races to properly optimise it.
Why Monza Is a Concern
The timing is awkward. The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is one of the most power-sensitive circuits on the calendar, exactly the kind of track where a down-on-power engine is punished hardest.
The Bigger Picture
Honda’s struggles are part of a broader shakeup under F1’s new 2026 power unit regulations, which have forced every manufacturer to relearn how to balance electrical and combustion power in a completely new format.
Conclusion
Alonso remains confident Aston Martin has finally found a clear technical direction on the chassis. Turning that into consistent points, though, depends on Honda solving its drivability issues before the season’s most demanding power circuits arrive.