Lance Stroll believes that Aston Martin took one of the biggest steps in its history with the upgrade package introduced at the Hungarian GP, held at the Hungaroring circuit. The evolution changed the scenario of a team that had scored only one point in the first eleven rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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The upgrade package implemented at the race in Hungary included sixteen components and featured extensive changes to the car, while Stroll and Fernando Alonso finished 13th and 14th, respectively.
Despite the results, the Canadian was impressed with the progress shown by the AMR26: “It was the most encouraging upgrade we’ve had in a very, very long time, maybe in the history of this team. So, very good,” Stroll told the press.
This overhaul involved a lighter and re-homologated chassis, as well as a comprehensive aerodynamic revision, with changes to the nose, front wing, floor, diffuser, sidepods, engine cover, and rear wing assembly. Independent analyses estimated a gain between 1.4 and 1.8 seconds per lap in qualifying trim, although the team has not officially confirmed these numbers.
Stroll assessed that Aston Martin has already managed to get closer to the midfield pack, but emphasized that there is still an important gap to be closed: “We took a big step at the Hungaroring circuit. We are not ahead of the midfield pack, but we are in the fight. We know we need to find a lot of power and keep pushing for performance, more downforce, more power, and just keep moving forward,” he added.
The next test will be the Dutch GP, when Honda will introduce a significantly revised version of its internal combustion engine, the first update from the manufacturer for Aston Martin’s power unit, under the ADUO concession system. Stroll expects to assess the gain in Zandvoort but acknowledged that circuits like Baku and Monza, which are more power-dependent, will still be challenging for the team.
