Honda's Engine Upgrade Faces Challenges at Zandvoort

Honda's recent engine upgrade did not meet the expectations of Aston Martin at the Zandvoort circuit, revealing significant drivability issues.

Lance Stroll, who qualified in 19th position, expressed disappointment, stating that while there may have been a slight improvement, it was insufficient. He highlighted problems with engine braking and downshifts, describing the drivability as inconsistent.

Fernando Alonso noted some progress, mentioning a reduced gap to the front runners compared to previous races. However, he acknowledged that the Honda package requires further refinement. Honda's chief engineer, Shintaro Orihara, confirmed that more work is needed to enhance driver confidence, while Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa emphasized the urgency of improving engine performance ahead of upcoming races.