Honda Unveils B-Spec Engine Upgrade for Aston Martin Ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix

Honda will field its new “spec-2” power-unit on the Aston Martin AMR26 at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. The upgrade features a redesign for faster combustion, altered piston geometry and reduced internal friction. Honda’s Trackside General Manager and Chief Engineer Shintaro Orihara says the work targets the partnership’s core weakness – outright engine performance – and that the team has already met its internal performance target for the specification.

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Aston Martin entered the 2026 season with high expectations, but early races were marred by reliability problems and a power-unit deficit. Paceteq data showed a 2.034-second per-lap shortfall at the Hungaroring, after gaps of more than five seconds at Silverstone and Spa. A chassis upgrade introduced by Adrian Newey in Hungary reduced the chassis deficit, yet the power-unit shortfall remained the dominant limitation. The B-spec engine therefore represents the alliance’s first major power-unit evolution of the season.

What to expect from Honda's long-awaited F1 power unit upgrade

• Hungaroring deficit: 2.034 seconds per lap (Paceteq).

What to expect from Honda's long-awaited F1 power unit upgrade

• Targeted gain: Honda estimates “up to 30 bhp” as a possible ceiling, though no official figure has been disclosed.

Honda lifts lid on ‘secret’ changes to new power unit

• Performance aim: Orihara cites the goal of returning to the “racing field,” where 10–20 milliseconds per lap can be decisive.

What to expect from Honda's long-awaited F1 power unit upgrade

Orihara added that the work was carried out at Honda’s Sakura factory and that the internal target for the spec-2 engine has been achieved. He emphasized that the partnership with Aston Martin has strengthened both on-track and at the factory level, positioning the two for a more competitive second half of the season.

Honda 'target' hit as Aston Martin 50bhp gain reports addressed

• “We developed our tools to optimise our driveability. We have made good progress and we were close to what we wanted to achieve,” — Shintaro Orihara

What to expect from Honda's long-awaited F1 power unit upgrade

• “I can’t disclose the detailed number, but we have achieved our internal target,” — Shintaro Orihara

Honda lifts lid on ‘secret’ changes to new power unit

Media outlets have circulated speculation that the B-spec engine could deliver a 50 bhp increase. PlanetF1 reported the figure and quoted Orihara as saying, “I want to have that number, but that is a quite big number,” indicating skepticism. Honda’s statements refrain from disclosing any specific horsepower gain, noting only that an internal performance target has been met. The lack of a disclosed power figure leaves the actual on-track advantage of the upgrade uncertain.

Honda 'secret' emerges after Aston Martin 50bhp gain reports addressed

Engine power and drivability are critical on Zandvoort’s high-speed layout, where small gains can translate into measurable lap-time improvements. If the B-spec engine delivers the anticipated combustion efficiency and friction reductions, Aston Martin could narrow the deficit that has kept it outside the front-row battle. Success at the Dutch Grand Prix would also validate Honda’s development direction and could set the tone for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Honda confident after hitting target with new Aston Martin engine