Honda will introduce an updated power unit on Aston Martin’s Formula 1 car at the Dutch Grand Prix, Shintaro Orihara suggests. The Honda trackside general manager and chief engineer stated there would be “two more races” until the powertrain is upgraded in Zandvoort after the summer break.

This is critical for Aston Martin’s prospects amid a dismal first half, with Fernando Alonso’s solitary Monaco point the only score. Honda’s power unit has been recognized as the weakest under the new ADUO mechanism, granting upgrade opportunities. The AMR26s have struggled, qualifying on the back row at Silverstone over a second off the pace.

Orihara noted Spa will test energy management on long straights with limited harvesting, emphasizing deployment strategy. Changeable weather adds uncertainty. Aston Martin has openly focused resources on its 2027 car, making a midfield recovery unlikely this season under budget cap and testing restrictions.