Aston Martin Unveils AMR26 Overhaul at Hungarian GP as Team Chases 2-Second Deficit
Updated
Updated · Autosport · Jul 22
Aston Martin Unveils AMR26 Overhaul at Hungarian GP as Team Chases 2-Second Deficit
3 articles · Updated · Autosport · Jul 22
Summary
Aston Martin brought its first major 2026 AMR26 upgrade to Hungary, centered on a new chassis, broad aero revisions and weight reduction after a troubled March debut left the car off the pace.
Most surfaces from nose to tail have been reworked, but the gearbox stays and the engine upgrade is delayed until after the summer break, limiting how radical the reset can be under the budget cap.
Mike Krack warned the gains will not be fully unlocked on Friday, saying the team still needs several events of ride-height, rake and simulation work to understand the package.
The pressure is high because Fernando Alonso was about 2 seconds slower than Cadillac in qualifying last weekend and nearly 6 seconds off pole, fueling internal scrutiny from owner Lawrence Stroll.
Aston Martin also appears to be reassessing Adrian Newey's high-rake direction, with Krack suggesting the team may now move toward a different concept as it tries simply to get back into the fight.