James Hinchcliffe proclaimed the B‑spec Aston Martin AMR26 would soon turn the team into a consistent points‑scorer after its upgraded debut, despite a shaky start to the 2026 season.
B‑spec Upgrade Sparks Optimism
The heavily revised aerodynamic package rolled out in Budapest lifted the car’s pace, giving stakeholders a glimpse of potential resurgence. Hinchcliffe noted that specialist Adrian Newey’s involvement and Lawrence Stroll’s vision could resolve the setbacks that plagued the initial AMR26 and the Honda power unit, which struggled to adapt to the new regulations.
Constructors Standings After Hungary
Following Budapest, Aston Martin slipped to 10th in the constructors’ championship, trading the lead for a single point earned by Fernando Alonso at Monaco. The points came after several drivers faced penalties, depressing the team’s tally. The gap to Williams, sitting in ninth, now stands at ten points.
Looking Ahead to Zandvoort
The Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort, slated for 21‑23 August, presents the next opportunity for the upgraded AMR26. If the performance trend observed in Hungary continues, the team could secure regular championship points before the season’s end, validating the patience invested by its stakeholders.
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