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Alonso Denies Hungary Upgrade Dictates Aston Martin F1 Future

Autosport F1 News •
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Fernando Alonso clarified that his Aston Martin Formula 1 future is not solely dependent on the team's upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix upgrade. While team boss Adrian Newey hopes the package will convince the veteran to extend his contract beyond 2026, Alonso stated that other factors will influence his decision, which he plans to make during the summer break. The AMR26 has struggled significantly this season, often a second off the pace, prompting Aston Martin to focus development on a substantial update for Hungary.

Aston Martin has faced a difficult start to the 2026 season, accumulating just one point in the opening eight races. This underperformance is partly due to the team prioritizing a larger upgrade package for the Hungarian race over more immediate, smaller updates. The team aims to address issues like a lack of downforce and power. Newey acknowledged Alonso's desire to see clear, tangible progress before committing to another season, emphasizing the driver's immense value.

Alonso, however, insisted that his decision will consider broader elements beyond just the Hungarian GP upgrade's performance. He stressed the importance of understanding the car's weaknesses and seeing a clear development path for 2027, regardless of his personal involvement. The Spaniard confirmed that the team has been working on this package since Bahrain, acknowledging the current performance is unacceptable. The upgrade's success in Hungary could set a positive momentum for the team's future direction.