Alonso downplays the excitement surrounding the '2-second' Aston upgrade.

      "Likely, the position will remain unchanged"

      Fernando Alonso has tempered unrealistic expectations surrounding Aston Martin’s extensively modified car, asserting that no upgrade can instantly close the significant gap the team faces. The package led by Adrian Newey finally made its debut at the Hungaroring following a last-minute effort, with rumors indicating that nearly everything aside from the front suspension has been overhauled. "Spa was one of the most challenging," Alonso remarked at the Hungaroring. "I believe the driver in front was 2.1 seconds ahead, so there’s no package in existence that could make up that time." "Most likely, the position wouldn't shift if you had run the updated car in Spa last week, so that’s how we should approach this." Trackside chief Mike Krack acknowledged that the new components arrived very late. "Yesterday, the garage was empty," he stated on Thursday. "Now it’s not. We’re working to prepare two cars for tomorrow morning." Krack dismissed the notion that the package for Hungary will dictate the project’s future. "No, it won’t," he said. "I think we’re all realistic. More progress is necessary, and this is merely a part of our development strategy, so I wouldn’t call it a game-changer." "It’s simply a development that must continue." Aston Martin has divided its significant chassis and engine advancements, with the upgraded Honda power unit still set to debut in a race at Zandvoort. However, it has been reported that reserve driver Jak Crawford will undertake an initial 200-kilometre filming day with the new engine at the Hungaroring on Wednesday—coinciding with Alonso’s 45th birthday. Honda spokesperson Shintaro Orihara mentioned that the modified unit features considerable internal alterations. "We are addressing the shape of the combustion chamber," he noted. "We’ve also adjusted the pre-chamber. Additionally, we are working on reducing friction by modifying the lubrication system." Nevertheless, Orihara dismissed claims of a 50 horsepower increase. "I’d like to achieve that figure, but it’s quite ambitious," the Japanese representative commented. "I can’t provide specifics regarding the power output, but my impression is that it’s merely a rumor. I don’t think it reflects a real figure." Krack explained that introducing the chassis first will help Aston Martin and Honda comprehend how increased cornering speeds impact the power unit's performance. "There will be higher cornering speeds, which influences energy and subsequently, all the power unit calibrations," he said. Meanwhile, Alonso seems to have ruled out the possibility of switching teams if he continues until 2027. "I do have a contract, so I’m not going anywhere," he confirmed. The remaining options are thus 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 expressed. "In the cockpit, it’s not the same thrill I used to experience driving a Formula 1 car. It’s not an issue with the team’s competitiveness." "It’s merely a matter of whether Formula 1 provides me with the excitement I need to thrive."