Honda has confirmed that its 2026 Formula 1 power unit will make its first appearance at the Dutch Grand Prix, the first race after the August break. The upgrade is intended to give Aston Martin a stronger engine package as the team rolls out its heavily revised 2026 car.
Trackside general manager Shintaro Orihara explained that all changes are internal – new combustion‑chamber geometry, a modified pre‑chamber and a revised lubrication system to cut friction and improve reliability. No new installation work is required on the Aston Martin chassis. Orihara hinted the upgrade will deliver a "reasonable big step" in power, but cautioned it won’t instantly close the gap to Mercedes or RBPT.
Aston Martin will debut its 2026 chassis at the Hungarian GP, then bring a full aerodynamic overhaul and significant weight reduction to Spa‑Francorchamps. Team principal Adrian Newey said the core chassis and gearbox remain unchanged, but the car now features a new nose, revised aero surfaces and a lighter overall package to approach the minimum weight limit.
Honda plans to use only one homologation upgrade this season, even though regulations allow two, making the Dutch GP the first real‑world test of the new engine concepts.
