What do Aston Martin have to do to convince Fernando Alonso to keep the faith?

After a deeply disappointing start to the 2026 season, Aston Martin will introduce its first major performance package 'AMR26B' of the year at the Hungaroring. The upgrade represents the biggest development step since Newey took charge of the team's technical direction and could play a key role in Alonso's decision over whether to continue racing beyond next season. 

The Spaniard, who turns 45 next month, has endured a frustrating campaign as Aston Martin has struggled for competitiveness, leaving him outside the fight at the front despite the team's ambitious long-term project.

In an Undercut interview published on the AMR website, Newey revealed Alonso has remained committed throughout the difficult period: "Both drivers have shown frustration, and at times that has spilled into the media. But it's also understandable. They're competitive animals. They want to fight at the front. I've had a lot of conversations with both of them about where we are, where we're going."

The veteran designer, brought to Aston Martin with massive expectations last year, made clear the Hungary package carries particular significance for Alonso: "It's very important. Fernando is really looking forward to the upgrade and, if it performs we hope he'll be in the cockpit for another season."

"Given his experience, his feel for the car, his ability to guide development, he's a tremendous asset. But he wants to see clear, tangible progress. If we can show that we're moving decisively in the right direction, he's absolutely committed to being behind the wheel," insisted Newey.

Those comments echo Alonso's own stance throughout the season. The Spaniard has repeatedly insisted Aston Martin's long-term prospects remain more important than short-term results, while also making it clear he expects visible progress from the ambitious Silverstone-based project led by owner Lawrence Stroll.

Both Alonso and Lance Stroll will receive the comprehensive update at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Rather than introducing incremental improvements throughout the season, Aston Martin has focused its resources on a single major package designed to address several weaknesses of the AMR26.

Newey explained: "The front suspension is unchanged. The rear suspension is slightly revised. We've developed a new nose and substantially revised aerodynamic surfaces. So, while the core structure is similar, it's a big aerodynamic package coupled with significant weight reduction. The target is to get very close to the weight limit."

The team has also removed weight from the chassis and gearbox, requiring a fresh crash test, while bringing more manufacturing back in-house to improve quality control and development speed.

Although optimistic, Newey stopped short of making bold performance predictions: "We're predicting a large step, but I'm reluctant to put specific numbers out there because our simulation tools aren't yet as sophisticated or well correlated as they need to be."

The Hungary upgrade could prove one of the defining moments of Aston Martin's season. Newey recently acknowledged the team began development of its 2026 challenger months later than its rivals, leaving it with an overweight car and significant organisational challenges that have taken much of the year to address.

Now, with Alonso still regarded as a vital part of the team's future because of his experience and technical feedback, Aston Martin hopes the long-awaited upgrade can demonstrate the progress he has been waiting to see.

If it delivers as expected, Newey believes the veteran Spaniard will have every reason to remain behind the wheel as Aston Martin continues building towards Formula 1's next phase.