Honda's reported 2026 PU update nears for Aston Martin

Reports from Autosport and Motorsport.com say Honda is preparing a first 2026 power unit update for Aston Martin, with Alonso flagging drivability work.

Honda is reported to be preparing its first 2026 Formula 1 power unit update for Aston Martin at Zandvoort, although that step is not officially confirmed in the supplied information. Autosport reported that the new Honda package was due for the Dutch weekend, while Motorsport.com separately reported on the expected update and on Fernando Alonso's view that more work was needed to refine the engine.

Autosport and Motorsport.com both reported that Alonso and Lance Stroll had received the second specification of Honda's V6 power unit. Both outlets said Alonso had trouble keeping the car settled in sprint qualifying at Zandvoort and reported that he indicated the more powerful engine still needed optimisation. Alonso, a 32-time Grand Prix winner, was 19th in the 2026 drivers' championship on one point. Aston Martin is still chasing its first Formula 1 race win and first constructors' title, while Honda previously competed in F1 from 1964 to 2008 and took three wins.