Aston Martin B-spec and extreme Ferrari Macarena wing break cover in Hungary

Aston Martin's long-awaited B-spec AMR26 has appeared in the Budapest paddock, headlining a busy Thursday ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Ferrari drew attention with an extreme high-downforce version of its Macarena rear wing, while Honda readied a major power unit upgrade for a post-race debut.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin is desperate to reset a difficult season and close the gap to Cadillac, which pulled away after its own MAC-26 upgrades. The AMR26 overhaul represents a crucial attempt to salvage the team's trajectory. Ferrari is maximizing downforce for the tight Hungaroring layout, and Honda's engine step promises to further shake up the competitive order.

The details:

• Aston Martin overhaul: Pit lane images revealed the heavily revised AMR26, a substantial redesign aimed at creating a genuine "pathway to recovery."
• Ferrari extreme wing: The team introduced a high-downforce iteration of its Macarena rear wing, tailor-made to extract grip on Budapest's twisty, low-speed sections.
• Honda engine step: A new-spec Honda power unit will debut in a post-race shakedown at the Hungaroring, marking a key checkpoint in the manufacturer's 2026 program.
• Active aero tweak: The FIA confirmed fewer straight-mode zones than the five used at Spa, subtly altering the overtaking dynamic for this weekend.

What's next:

Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas admits he is "curious" and "scared" by rumors surrounding the AMR26's scale of change, underscoring the threat Aston Martin poses to its midfield rivals. If the B-spec delivers, the lower midfield battle could tighten significantly. Ferrari will also face pressure to convert its extreme wing concept into raw qualifying pace on one of the calendar's most technical circuits.