Honda admits driveability issues with new engine after Dutch GP

Honda has admitted there is "room to improve" the driveability of its upgraded engine after Fernando Alonso's difficult weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix. The B-spec power unit made its competitive debut at Zandvoort, but Alonso described the experience as "back to square one" with the engine's handling and gear-shifting feel.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin's revival depends on the Honda partnership. After a positive introduction of the B-spec chassis in Hungary, the new engine was expected to be another step forward. Instead, driveability issues have complicated progress, leaving the team rooted at the bottom of the Constructors' Championship. With only two points-scoring finishes all season, every upgrade must deliver.

The details:

• Honda chief engineer Shintaro Orihara said improving driveability is the "main aim" for the upcoming races.
• Alonso finished P9 at Zandvoort, only Aston Martin's second points finish of the season, but he was frustrated by the engine's characteristics.
• "Everything we'd improved with the first engine; we've gone back a bit to square one with this second one," Alonso said.
• The team also brought further chassis revisions to the Dutch GP, but the engine's driveability overshadowed the progress.
• Aston Martin remains P10 in the Constructors' standings, eight points behind Williams.

What's next:

Honda and Aston Martin have a short window to address the issues before Monza, a circuit Alonso expects to be "one of the worst" for the car. Orihara confirmed the focus is on Monza and Madrid, with the aim of optimizing the engine's driveability. The team will be hoping the next races bring smoother progress as they continue to unlock the potential of the new power unit.