Honda’s new Aston Martin Power Unit completes first on-track run

Honda begins track validation with Aston Martin

Honda’s new-specification Formula 1 power unit has completed its first on-track run in Aston Martin’s AMR26, with the manufacturer using a filming day in Hungary to begin preparations for its planned race debut at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Aston Martin, Alpine and Audi then remained at the Hungaroring to support Pirelli’s tyre testing programme before the team conducted its filming day on Wednesday. The session provided Honda with the first opportunity to operate the updated engine in the AMR26 ahead of further running at Zandvoort in just over three weeks.

“We will now take the important step of introducing our new-spec power unit in the Netherlands,” Orihara continued. “Before then, during Wednesday’s filming day, we will run the new engine in the AMR26 for the first time, before the summer shutdown commences.”

Zandvoort becomes the next benchmark

Honda’s F1 operation subsequently confirmed that the new engine had indeed taken to the track during Wednesday’s filming day. Attention now shifts to Zandvoort, where the power unit will face its first race-weekend test and Aston Martin will assess how the new specification complements its extensive Hungary package.

The timing is significant for a partnership that has endured a difficult start in early 2026. Aston Martin Chief Trackside Officer Mike Krack said the team and Honda had improved their working relationship by accepting shared responsibility for the problems and addressing them together.

“It’s easy to point the finger, but we sat together and we said, ‘We are in this together. We need to work hard to get out of it together’,” Krack explained.

He said collaboration had improved across the garage, engineering office and the technical links between Silverstone and Sakura. Krack acknowledged that the process had been tough, but argued that the experience could become valuable if Aston Martin returns to the competitive picture soon. The new power unit’s first running is therefore an important step, but Zandvoort will provide the clearer measure of progress. For further context on the upgrade programme, see Aston Martin’s honesty has made its 2026 fightback matter.