Fernando Alonso reached Q2 for the first time in the 2026 Formula 1 season during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The result came after Aston Martin introduced its first major upgrade package of the year to the AMR26 chassis.
Alonso qualified 16th at the Hungaroring, ending Aston Martin's streak of five straight back-row starts. The upgrades included a redesigned front end, reworked sidepods, an updated floor and changes to the rear of the car.
Alonso described the weekend as an important confidence boost for the team. He said the package delivered more load and grip in corners, making the car more consistent and easier to drive than before.
Teammate Lance Stroll qualified 20th after a rear suspension failure in practice limited his running. He acknowledged the improved grip levels but noted the team still needs more engine power.
Analysis of the data indicates the updates provided a gain of between 1.5 and 2.1 seconds on one-lap pace depending on the circuit, with an estimated average of 1.8 seconds over a typical 90-second lap.
