Aston Martin sees clear signs of recovery after the introduction of the first part of its extensive upgrade package during the Hungarian GP. Although Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll again remained outside the points, team owner Lawrence Stroll speaks of an important step forward. The developments should form the basis for a further advance in the second half of the season, when the Honda engine will also receive a long-awaited upgrade.
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The team from Silverstone introduced a package with no less than sixteen modified parts at the Hungaroring, revising almost every visible surface of the AMR26. As a result, Alonso reached Q2 for the first time this season and started sixteenth, after which he finished fourteenth. Teammate Stroll crossed the line in thirteenth. This keeps Aston Martin on one World Championship point. Nevertheless, the team was able to measure itself with the midfield for the first time; Cadillac, Haas, and Williams were outpaced.
Battle in the midfield
Lawrence Stroll was positive about the initial results of the new package afterwards. “We have clearly taken a big step forward,” he responded to Sky Sports. “The first of many more to come. So yes, I am very satisfied. My thanks go out to all the men and women in the factory who worked so hard to make this possible.” Son Lance Stroll also saw enough points of connection, despite the lack of points. “For the first time this year, we were in the fight for the midfield, so that’s good,” the Canadian responded. “We took a big step forward this weekend, and now we just have to keep pushing.”
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Aston Martin hopes to take another step after the summer break. During the Dutch GP, engine supplier Honda will introduce a renewed power unit, which will be tested for the first time this week during a filming day at the Hungaroring. This gives the team another chance to continue the progress made.
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