Alonso says Honda's new engine needs work after Zandvoort qualifying
Autosport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 5:03 PM
Last updated Aug 21, 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.
- 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
Sources
External links- 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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