Alonso looks to Hungary upgrade for signs of Aston Martin progress

Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin’s major upgrade at the Hungarian Grand Prix gives him reason for optimism, though he is not expecting an instant transformation. The package is a key first step for a team that has delayed development work and slipped back through the field.

Aston Martin are bringing a significantly revised car to Budapest, including a lighter chassis and aerodynamic changes. The team chose to group its updates into one large package rather than add smaller developments across earlier races, a strategy shaped by spending-cap efficiency but one that left them exposed as rivals improved.

The timing is important because the Honda power unit is not due for its own development step until the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break. That means Hungary may offer a clearer read on the car-side changes, especially at a circuit where power demand is less central than at Silverstone or Spa.

Alonso’s own future remains unresolved, with his contract ending after the season. He has indicated that one upgrade will not alone decide whether he continues racing, but he is assessing whether the current cars still provide the enjoyment and intensity he wants from Formula 1.

For Aston Martin, the bigger question is whether this update confirms that the team’s delayed development route can create a platform for recovery. For Alonso, Hungary may be less about positions and more about whether the car finally points in a direction he can believe in.