Honda finds answers on Hungary engine issue as Aston Martin stage two looms

Honda has traced the engine oscillation problems that disrupted Aston Martin's weekend in Hungary, with data from both cars helping the Japanese manufacturer find "encouraging" progress. The findings arrive at a critical moment for the Silverstone outfit, which finally saw its upgraded AMR26 chassis show competitive pace at the Hungaroring ahead of Honda's next power unit step.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin's union with Honda began disastrously, but Hungary hinted at a corner being turned. With Adrian Newey's influence beginning to show through and a major engine upgrade slated for Zandvoort, the partnership might finally have the pieces to climb back into the midfield fight.

The details:

• Fernando Alonso flagged an engine "oscillation" down the main straight during opening practice in Hungary, prompting Honda to dig into the data from both AMR26s.
• The investigation has yielded positive results, with the issue reportedly on its way to resolution before the Dutch Grand Prix.
• Chassis gains: The Hungary-spec AMR26 made a strong debut, validating the team's development direction and suggesting Newey's touch is already making a difference.
• Hamilton's woes: Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton continues to draw unwanted attention from the stewards, picking up four penalties across the last three rounds and renewing questions about his season with the Scuderia.
• Speaking out: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali rejected suggestions the sport is trying to silence drivers, responding after Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri criticized the 2026 regulations.

What's next:

Zandvoort offers the first real test of Aston Martin's resurgence, with Honda's Act 2 engine set to hit the track. If the fixes hold and the chassis form carries over to the Dutch circuit, the team could finally leave its early-season struggles in the rearview.