Alonso says Honda's new engine needs work after Zandvoort qualifying
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Fernando Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, reported difficulties with Honda's new V6 power unit during the sprint qualifying session at Zandvoort on August 20, 2026. He indicated the engine's increased power demands further optimization to enhance driveability. Alonso's teammate, Lance Stroll, also has the upgraded engine. Honda identified the Netherlands as the location to debut this new specification mid-season, highlighting its significance for the team's performance.
- •Alonso struggles with Honda's new engine during sprint qualifying.
- •The upgraded V6 engine requires further optimization according to Alonso.
- •Both Alonso and Stroll are using the new engine specification.
- •Honda aims to improve engine performance mid-season.
- •Sprint qualifying at Zandvoort took place on August 20, 2026.
- 12:53 PMRacer — Alonso encouraged by Aston Martin's updates, but still wants more from Honda
- 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Aston Martin and Honda's spec 2 engine goes wrong at Dutch GP Sprint Qualifying
- 5:03 PMAutosport — Why Honda's new F1 engine comes with fresh but expected driveability issues
- 4:59 PMMotorsport.com — "Difficult to stop the car" - Honda's new engine comes with fresh but expected driveability issues
"Aston Martin Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso says more work is needed to optimise Honda's more powerful engine after struggling to keep his car on the track in sprint qualifying at Zandvoort. Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll have received the second specification of Honda's V6 power unit, with the Japanese manufacturer having earmarked the Netherlands as the site to deploy its one in-season ...Keep reading
"Aston Martin Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso says more work is needed to optimise Honda's more powerful engine after struggling to keep his car on the track in sprint qualifying at Zandvoort. Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll have received the second specification of Honda's V6 power unit, with the Japanese manufacturer having earmarked the Netherlands as the site to deploy its one in-season ...Keep reading
"Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin needs more consistency from its upgraded Honda power unit despite securing a season’s-best ninth place in Sunday's Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix.Honda brought a new specification of power unit to Zandvoort, one race after Aston Martin delivered its own significant chassis update in Budapest prior...
Sources
External links- RacerAug 24, 2026, 12:53 PMAlonso encouraged by Aston Martin's updates, but still wants more from Honda
Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin needs more consistency from its upgraded Honda power unit despite securing a season’s-best ninth place in Sunday's Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix.Honda brought a new specification of power unit to Zandvoort, one race after Aston Martin delivered its own significant chassis update in Budapest prior...
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 7:00 AMAston Martin and Honda's spec 2 engine goes wrong at Dutch GP Sprint Qualifying
Aston Martin's poor Dutch Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying result has raised more questions about Fernando Alonso's F1 future in the team after the latest engine setback. Aston Martin had arrived at Zandvoort with reason for renewed optimism.
- AutosportAug 21, 2026, 5:03 PMWhy Honda's new F1 engine comes with fresh but expected driveability issues
Aston Martin Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso says more work is needed to optimise Honda's more powerful engine after struggling to keep his car on the track in sprint qualifying at Zandvoort. Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll have received the second specification of Honda's V6 power unit, with the Japanese manufacturer having earmarked the Netherlands as the site to deploy its one in-season ...Keep reading
- Motorsport.comAug 21, 2026, 4:59 PM"Difficult to stop the car" - Honda's new engine comes with fresh but expected driveability issues
Aston Martin Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso says more work is needed to optimise Honda's more powerful engine after struggling to keep his car on the track in sprint qualifying at Zandvoort. Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll have received the second specification of Honda's V6 power unit, with the Japanese manufacturer having earmarked the Netherlands as the site to deploy its one in-season ...Keep reading
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