F1 Drivers React to Aston Martin's Bold Upgrades at Hungarian GP

WHO:

The Race - George Russell described his previous deployment problems as “effectively numbers on the screen that were not quite calibrated properly.”

Crash.net - Valtteri Bottas expressed concern that if Aston Martin makes a significant improvement, Cadillac could fall behind.

The Race - George Russell, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Gabriel Bortoleto, Arvid Lindblad, Liam Lawson, Kimi Antonelli, Ollie Bearman, Esteban Ocon, Alex Albon, James Urwin, Tom Hart, Max Verstappen, Bernd Maylander

Crash.net - Aston Martin, Cadillac, Fernando Alonso

WHAT:

Crash.net - Aston Martin is introducing a B-spec version of its AMR26 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, described as a “significant aerodynamic upgrade.”

Autosport - Adrian Newey stated that "provisional results are promising" for the updated AMR26 and mentioned that further steps in the upgrade plan are expected in Zandvoort, Monza, and Baku.

Crash.net - Bottas mentioned that "the only thing that is the same than the current car is the front suspension; everything else is new."

The Race - The new Mercedes safety car is an all-wheel-drive variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT, powered by a 612hp engine with a top speed of 317km/h.

The Race - The new safety car marks the 14th different variant since the safety car's introduction in 1996.

The Race - Aston Martin is introducing a B-spec version of its AMR26 at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Race - Bottas expressed he is “a little bit scared” about Aston Martin’s upgrade.

The Race - Russell stated that deployment problems that held him back at Spa and Silverstone have been resolved.

The Race - Leclerc agreed with Piastri regarding the lack of steward action after their clash at the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Race - Cadillac has a bolstered brakes package for the Hungarian GP.

The Race - Antonelli acknowledged he has taken too many liberties with track limits during races.

Crash.net - Aston Martin is currently in 10th place in the constructors’ championship.

WHERE:

The Race - The Hungarian Grand Prix is taking place at the Hungaroring.

Crash.net - The upgrades are being introduced in Budapest.

WHEN:

The Race - The new Mercedes safety car will be deployed at the Hungarian Grand Prix if required.

Crash.net - The upgrades are being introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

WHY:

Crash.net - Bottas expressed concern that if Aston Martin makes a significant improvement, Cadillac could fall behind in the standings.

Crash.net - Bottas mentioned that there are “lots of rumours” about Aston Martin's upgrade, with one suggesting that the only unchanged component is the front suspension.

The Race - Aston Martin is introducing upgrades in an effort to turnaround a poor 2026 season.

Crash.net - Bottas expressed concern that if Aston Martin makes a significant improvement, Cadillac could fall behind.

HOW:

Crash.net - Bottas noted that Cadillac has been able to maintain a clear advantage over Aston Martin, with improvements leading to a gap of over two seconds per lap at Spa.

The Race - The new safety car features active suspension, enhancing its performance in cornering and acceleration.

The Race - Aston Martin's upgrade is described as a “significant aerodynamic upgrade.”

The Race - Bottas mentioned that the only unchanged component in Aston Martin's new car is the front suspension.

Aston Martin is set to unveil a B-spec version of its AMR26 at the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, featuring what has been described as a significant aerodynamic upgrade. Adrian Newey has indicated that the provisional results for the updated AMR26 look promising, with additional enhancements planned for future races in Zandvoort, Monza, and Baku. Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas has expressed concerns that if Aston Martin's improvements are substantial, it could jeopardize Cadillac's current advantage, which has been over two seconds per lap at Spa.