\nOrihara shied away from giving too many specifics in terms of what’s been tweaked in the power unit \u2013 ‘it’s kind of a secret’ \u2013 but admitted that there was a lengthy list of areas for improvement. <\/p>\n
Article continues under video<\/p>\n
\nAston Martin are reportedly hoping for about an improvement of around half a second a lap from the new power unit which, combined with the two-ish seconds their huge aerodynamic upgrades saved them in Hungary, should place Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll right back in the midfield pack<\/a>.
<\/p>\n \nREAD MORE: Lewis Hamilton and the shock Red Bull move which leaves F1 with regrets<\/a>
<\/p>\n Honda chief: We had a long list of improvements<\/p>\n \n“We focused to improve engine performance, let’s say, to make combustion faster, so it’s kind of a secret, but I can disclose a little bit.
<\/p>\n \n“So we changed the pre chamber to make combustion faster, and also we change the piston shape also to get good combustion. Also, we modified some lubrication system to reduce friction. So we had a quite big list to improve engine performance.”
<\/p>\n \nOrihara also refused to comment on exactly how much horsepower Honda believe has been added to the engine with the upgrades, but did confirm that at the very least, they reached their internal target for power.
<\/p>\n \n“I can’t disclose the detailed number,” he said, “but we have achieved our internal target, and I’m confident what HRC Sakura factory guys achieved for the spec 2 engine, and we are excited to bring new spec engine to the Netherlands, and we will see where we are.”
<\/p>\n \nREAD MORE: Wedding pending! Fans go wild for stunning Kim x Lewis photo drop<\/a>
<\/p>\n![\"Honda's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/b74696435c8c5441e0850e199ade31c6c7cd0e0a.jpg\"\/)
Honda’s update is good news for Newey and Stroll.<\/p>\n