Honda establishes engine goals, while Alonso awaits updates on Aston's advancement.

      Aston Martin and Honda are aiming for the same goal as they develop their long-awaited recovery strategy. Following Adrian Newey’s announcement that the team's significant 'B car' will debut in Hungary, Honda has set its sights on the next race at Zandvoort for its similarly important engine upgrade. "I anticipated this question," Honda's chief race engineer Shintaro Orihara remarked at Silverstone. "I’ve been saying 'in the summer.' So, I would pinpoint our target as the Netherlands.”

      Orihara did not disclose the expected increase in horsepower. "I know the figure, but I'm not revealing it." He also refrained from commenting on how Honda plans to utilize its ADUO allocation. "We will be bringing numerous upgrades to the Netherlands," he stated. "We will be modifying some quite significant components." Like Aston Martin, Honda has strategically opted for one major upgrade instead of a series of smaller ones. "Our aim is to make a substantial leap forward, not just incremental progress," Orihara clarified.

      Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso asserted that his decision to remain at Aston Martin in 2027 will not hinge purely on whether the upgrades succeed. "I’ll consider it over the summer break," he mentioned. "The car might be excellent, but you could feel that the sport is headed in the wrong direction." The Spanish driver is among several competitors at Silverstone cautioning that the historic circuit will reveal the limitations of Formula 1's 2026 cars. "Magnificent tracks like Spa or Silverstone, which were simply breathtaking in the past, may feel different," Alonso noted. "Based on simulator experience, it’s quite disappointing for both the drivers and the fans."

      Instead, Alonso emphasizes that the crucial factor is whether Hungary will demonstrate that Aston Martin is progressing correctly. "This is merely the initial step in the plan - it must not be the final one," he stated. "If we perform well in Hungary and can push the car to its limits, I believe there’s a clear path and positive momentum we can build on for next year. That, for me, is paramount."

      Mike Krack also warned that realizing the full potential of the new package will take time. "It will require some time. I doubt it will be perfect right away," he remarked. "It may even take us a few sessions per Grand Prix to fully harness its potential." Lance Stroll expressed optimism after testing the package in the simulator. "It’s expected to go much faster," the Canadian commented.