Honda to Test Updated F1 Power Unit Ahead of Aston Martin Debut
Honda prepares crucial power-unit test
Honda will put its updated Formula 1 power unit through its first track test this week, ahead of its planned race debut with Aston Martin after the summer break.
The Japanese manufacturer has faced intense scrutiny during what has so far been a difficult return to Formula 1 as Aston Martinâs engine partner. The current power unit is significantly slower than those of its rivals, contributing to the Silverstone-based teamâs position at the back of the field after several seasons as a midfield contender.
Honda qualified for the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) scheme under this yearâs technical regulations. That has allowed the manufacturer to pursue a substantial increase in power, with the results now set to be assessed in the AMR26.
The timing is significant for Aston Martin, which introduced its own upgrade package at the Hungaroring. The B-specification AMR26 showed clear improvement through its aerodynamic changes, and the team now hopes Hondaâs power-unit development can deliver a complementary step forward. Aston Martinâs Hungary upgrade restored its qualifying fight.
Filming-day debut before Zandvoort
Honda trackside chief Shintaro Orihara confirmed after the Hungarian Grand Prix that the new specification will first run during a filming day at the same circuit on Wednesday. It will then be scheduled for its first race appearance at Zandvoort.
âIn Hungary, we have been supporting the team with the power unit integration,â Orihara said. âWeâve also been able to collect vital data, which will help us come the next race.â
He added: âWe will now take the important step of introducing our new spec power unit in the Netherlands. Before then, during Wednesdayâs filming day, we will run the new engine in the AMR26 for the first time, before the summer shutdown commences.â
Aston Martin seeks a combined performance gain
Aston Martin left Hungary without points, with Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso finishing 13th and 14th. However, Orihara viewed the result as evidence of progress amid the teamâs difficult start to the season.
âNow we are back to racing the field,â he said. âThen, all improvement is very important to catch up to others. To introduce the new power unit in Zandvoort is quite important, now the chassis is working well. So our power unit should bring some laptime gain.â
The next stage will therefore test whether Aston Martinâs revised chassis and Hondaâs updated engine can produce the combined improvement the team needs. Even without further points, maintaining that upward trajectory would represent a significant outcome from its current position.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.