Smedley explains Aston Martin’s dramatic Formula 1 improvement after Hungarian Grand Prix upgrade – Aston Martin delivered one of the standout technical stories of the Hungarian Grand Prix after introducing an extensive 16-part upgrade package that transformed the performance of the AMR26.
Following months spent towards the back of the Formula 1 midfield, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll immediately demonstrated the effectiveness of the new components in Budapest. Former Formula 1 engineer Rob Smedley has now analysed the available data, identifying where Aston Martin has made its biggest gains—and the area that continues to hold the team back.
The Silverstone-based outfit arrived in Hungary under pressure after enduring a difficult first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season. While the team had shown occasional flashes of pace, it had consistently struggled to compete with its direct midfield rivals.
The extensive upgrade package marked Aston Martin’s most significant development of the campaign, and the immediate improvement allowed the team to hand the unwanted position at the foot of the constructors’ standings to Cadillac.
Rob Smedley compares Fernando Alonso with Carlos Sainz
Speaking on the High Performance podcast, former Ferrari and Williams engineer Rob Smedley compared Fernando Alonso’s data with that of Williams driver Carlos Sainz to assess the true impact of Aston Martin’s upgrades.
“You can see that Alonso is much faster everywhere in the slow corners [than Sainz]. He has much more downforce there. It’s a much more stable and better performing car [than the Williams],” Smedley said.
According to Smedley’s analysis, Aston Martin’s revised aerodynamic package has significantly improved the car’s performance through slower sections, giving Alonso a clear advantage over the Williams in those parts of the circuit.
However, the data also highlighted that Aston Martin continues to lose considerable time on the straights.
Engine deficit remains Aston Martin’s biggest weakness
While Aston Martin has taken a major step forward aerodynamically, Smedley believes the team’s power unit remains its greatest limitation.
“You can see when you compare it to the Mercedes engine that it’s completely outmatched on every straight. Sainz is up to 10 km/h faster on every straight, which is quite impressive. That was the first point that was truly remarkable and interesting for us,” he explained.
The comparison underlines the contrast between the two cars. Aston Martin’s improved chassis now allows it to carry more speed through corners, but the Williams benefits from the superior straight-line performance of its Mercedes power unit.
The performance gap is particularly noticeable on circuits featuring long straights, where Aston Martin remains vulnerable despite its aerodynamic improvements.
Aston Martin closes the gap after difficult start to 2026
Smedley also examined Aston Martin’s qualifying deficit to pole position over the course of the season, revealing how the team’s competitiveness has evolved.
“In the first five or six races up to Spain, this deficit was 4.1 percent,” he explained.
When rival teams introduced major upgrade packages at the Spanish Grand Prix, Aston Martin slipped further behind, with the gap increasing to almost five percent.
The latest developments introduced in Hungary have helped recover much of that lost ground, providing clear evidence that the team’s largest upgrade package of the season has delivered a meaningful improvement in performance.
The analysis suggests Aston Martin has finally addressed many of the aerodynamic shortcomings that hampered the AMR26 during the opening half of the campaign. While straight-line speed remains a significant concern, the gains through slower corners indicate the team’s technical direction is beginning to produce results.
With further upgrades expected later in the season and a switch to Honda power from 2027 already forming a key part of the team’s long-term project, the Hungarian Grand Prix may prove to be a turning point in Aston Martin’s 2026 Formula 1 campaign.
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Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
Alex’s reporting aims to explain the financial realities behind headline stories, helping readers understand how money, governance, and strategy shape the competitive order in Formula 1.
