Honda will introduce an updated power unit on Aston Martin’s Formula 1 car at the Dutch Grand Prix, according to Shintaro Orihara.
Honda’s trackside general manager and chief engineer Orihara revealed the timeline during the Belgian Grand Prix preview, noting there are “two more races” before the powertrain upgrade is implemented.
“We have two more races before we introduce the new engine,” Orihara said. “It’s important to keep learning with this current spec, so we can take those energy deployment findings into future races – like Monza, where we also have the long straights.”
This upgrade is crucial for Aston Martin’s prospects amid a challenging first half of the season, as the team has struggled alongside newcomer Cadillac at the rear of the field. Fernando Alonso’s lone point came from the chaotic Monaco Grand Prix, where he was running 14th with eight laps remaining.
Honda’s power unit has been identified as the weakest on the grid under the new ADUO (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities) mechanism, earning the right to Upgrades, which will be introduced in Zandvoort following the summer break.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Photo by: James Sutton / Formula 1 / Formula Motorsport Ltd via Getty Images
Aston Martin anticipates continued difficulties in Belgium and Hungary, with Alonso and Lance Stroll qualifying on the back row at Silverstone, more than a second behind the leading Cadillac and over two seconds from the Q2 cutoff.
“[Spa] will be a test for manufacturers in terms of energy management so we need to consider how we will deploy MGU-K power on the long straights,” Orihara added. “The harvesting here is quite limited, even considering the circuit length. This puts more emphasis on getting the deployment plan right. The straights are also a demand on the power unit in general – not only for performance but also for reliability.
“An added unknown is the changeable weather conditions at the circuit. At Silverstone it remained dry, so Spa could be the first time where we have proper wet conditions in a session. In terms of the weather, anything can happen here.”
Aston Martin has prioritized resources for its 2027 car development, and with the budget cap and aerodynamic testing restrictions, catching up with the midfield this year appears unlikely.