OFICIAL Formula 1

Honda reveal details of 'Spec 2' power unit for Dutch GP

What happened
Based on Formula 1 · Aug 19, 2026

Honda will introduce a revised 'Spec 2' power unit for Aston Martin at the Dutch Grand Prix, aiming to address midfield performance gaps after early-season reliability issues.

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Honda reveal details of 'Spec 2' power unit for Dutch GP
Formula 1 — Formula 1
Key points
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Aston Martin are hopeful that the updated power unit will help them take another step forward at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix.
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Honda have offered some insight into the updated power unit Aston Martin will run from the Dutch Grand Prix onwards, which should go hand-in-hand with their recent upgrades to help them improve through the midfield.
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Despite widespread excitement around their collaboration, the 2026 season got off to a difficult start as Aston Martin found themselves at the bottom of the pecking order with the power unit suffering from vibration issues and poor reliability.
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The teething problems the company is fixed in the early rounds, allowing them to switch their attention to planning upgrades later in the year.
Key numbers
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The Dutch Grand Prix marks a critical opportunity to further evaluate the Spec 2 power unit’s performance.
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Honda has not disclosed the exact horsepower gains from the Spec 2 power unit, though Orihara confirmed internal targets were met.
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The introduction of the Spec 2 unit underscores the ongoing efforts to stabilize and improve the team’s performance in the midfield.

Honda has outlined upgrades to its power unit for Aston Martin, set to debut at the Dutch Grand Prix. The changes focus on improving combustion efficiency through modifications to the pre-chamber, piston shape, and lubrication systems. These adjustments aim to reduce friction and enhance engine performance, addressing earlier reliability and vibration concerns. The team plans to integrate these updates with the 16 upgrades already introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Honda and Aston Martin hope the combined changes will help close the performance gap to faster competitors like Racing Bulls and Alpine.

Shintaro Orihara, Honda’s Trackside General Manager and Chief Engineer, confirmed the upgrades were tested during a filming day at the Hungaroring. While specific performance metrics remain undisclosed, Orihara stated the changes align with internal targets. The new power unit was developed at Honda’s HRC Sakura factory, with Orihara expressing confidence in its potential. The team has not publicly detailed the results of the initial on-track tests but remains optimistic about the unit’s impact.

Aston Martin’s decision to introduce a B-spec car at the Hungarian Grand Prix appears to have paid off, with drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso qualifying ahead of Cadillac and Williams. The team’s midfield progress has been steady since addressing early-season power unit issues. The Dutch Grand Prix marks a critical opportunity to further evaluate the Spec 2 power unit’s performance. Alonso has suggested the second half of the season could represent a turning point in the championship. The upgrades are expected to provide a competitive edge in races where points are at stake.

Honda has not disclosed the exact horsepower gains from the Spec 2 power unit, though Orihara confirmed internal targets were met. The team plans to assess the unit’s effectiveness during the Dutch Grand Prix, with no immediate public performance data expected. The collaboration between Honda and Aston Martin remains focused on long-term competitiveness, particularly as the 2026 season progresses. The introduction of the Spec 2 unit underscores the ongoing efforts to stabilize and improve the team’s performance in the midfield.

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