Fernando Alonso faces another grid penalty at Zandvoort after power unit changes

Fernando Alonso set for another grid penalty at Zandvoort

Fernando Alonso will line up at the back of the grid for the Dutch Grand Prix on 23 August after another power unit penalty. The Aston Martin driver’s car has already exceeded the component limits, forcing Honda to replace the energy store, control electronics unit, and ancillary components. That means Alonso starts from the rear once more-just like at Spa.

Why the penalty keeps hitting Alonso

The penalty isn’t new to Alonso. The Aston Martin AMR26 lacks the pace to fight at the front, so dropping to the back makes little difference. Every time Honda introduces a new power unit, Alonso’s team must swap out the over-limit parts. The result? Another penalty, another last-row start.

The same penalty awaits Lance Stroll

Alonso isn’t alone. Teammate Lance Stroll faces the same grid penalty after Honda replaces multiple power unit components on his car. Both drivers are already over the limit, so the Dutch Grand Prix updates won’t change their starting spots. The Aston Martin duo will begin from the back regardless.

What’s next for Aston Martin

Aston Martin hopes to turn things around at the Hungarian Grand Prix with a B-spec AMR26. The revised chassis could help the team reach Q2 in qualifying. After the summer break, Honda plans more power unit updates for Zandvoort. But for now, Alonso and Stroll’s grid positions stay locked to the rear.

The Dutch Grand Prix runs from 22-24 August at Circuit Zandvoort.