Alonso downplays the excitement over the '2-second' upgrades from Aston.

      "Likely, the position won't change."

      Fernando Alonso has downplayed the high expectations surrounding Aston Martin's significantly revamped car, emphasizing that no upgrade can instantly close the team's considerable gap. The revised package, led by Adrian Newey, finally made its debut at the Hungaroring after a last-minute effort, with rumors indicating that nearly everything has changed except for the front suspension.

      "Spa was one of the toughest," Alonso remarked at the Hungaroring. "I think the driver in front was 2.1 seconds ahead, so no package in the world can give you that amount of time." He continued, "The position probably wouldn't have changed if you had run the updated car in Spa a week ago; that's the perspective we need to maintain."

      Trackside director Mike Krack acknowledged the new components arrived very late, stating, "Yesterday the garage was empty." He added, "Now it isn't, so we are working to ensure two cars are ready by tomorrow morning." Krack also dismissed notions that the Hungary package would determine the future of the project, insisting, "No, it won’t. I think we’re all realistic. More steps are necessary, and this is just a component of the development strategy, so I wouldn’t label it as decisive." He concluded, "It’s merely a development that needs to progress."

      Aston Martin has divided its major chassis and engine advancements, with the updated Honda power unit still on track for its race debut in Zandvoort. However, it is reported that reserve driver Jak Crawford will conduct an initial 200-kilometre filming run with the new engine at the Hungaroring on Wednesday, coinciding with Alonso’s 45th birthday.

      Honda spokesperson Shintaro Orihara noted that the revised unit involves significant internal modifications. "We are working on the design of the combustion chamber," he said. "We have also adjusted the pre-chamber and are aiming to decrease friction by modifying the lubrication system." Nevertheless, Orihara dismissed speculation of a 50-horsepower boost. "I would like to achieve that figure, but it’s quite ambitious," the Japanese representative stated. "I cannot provide specifics on the power output, but my sense is that it's merely a rumor. I don't believe it's an actual figure."

      Krack mentioned that initially introducing the chassis will enable Aston Martin and Honda to comprehend how the increased cornering speeds impact the behavior of the power unit. "There will be higher cornering speeds, which affects energy and subsequently all power unit calibrations," he explained.

      Meanwhile, Alonso seems to have ruled out moving to another team if he continues racing into 2027. "I do have a contract, so I’m not going anywhere," he said. As a result, the options are becoming clearer—another season with Aston Martin or retirement. "I feel refreshed, motivated, and fast, but I also need to enjoy what I do," Alonso noted. "In the cockpit, the adrenaline isn't the same as what I used to experience driving a Formula 1 car. It's not an issue with the team's competitiveness. It’s more about whether Formula 1 provides the adrenaline I need to thrive."