Aston Martin left last Sunday’s (23) Dutch GP with mixed feelings. While Fernando Alonso found reasons to believe in the evolution of the AMR26, Lance Stroll exposed the main concern of Adrian Newey’s team: the performance and consistency of the updated Honda power unit.
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The difference between the drivers was evident. Alonso started 18th and finished ninth after a two-stop strategy, holding off Pierre Gasly in the final moments. Even with drivability limitations, the Spaniard considered that the team took another step forward.
The result gained importance because Zandvoort was the first major test of the chassis and aerodynamic update introduced in Hungaroring along with the new Honda engine specification. In qualifying, however, Alonso and Stroll were eliminated in Q1.
Stroll’s weekend was much more complicated. Starting 19th, he retired after initial damage left the car off pace and sliding on the track. After qualifying, the Canadian stated that the Honda engine’s development was small and “far from enough.” He praised the chassis progress in Budapest but pointed to power and drivability as the next priorities.
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Stroll also reported inconsistencies in engine braking and rejected downshifts, problems that hinder consistent use of the power unit.
Alonso, in turn, indicated that the next significant gains depend on Honda in Japan, either through factory development or software changes. Monza is pointed out as the target for a new advance.
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