Aston Martin revealed the depth of its problems ahead of the 2026 season opener, finishing practice 4.9 seconds off the pace at the Australian Grand Prix.
Team principal Adrian Newey said the challenges had left two-time world champion Fernando Alonso in a “hard mental place.”
The team had high expectations for 2026, thanks to Newey’s expertise and a works engine partnership with Honda F1. But continuing reliability issues with the Honda power unit prevented meaningful running, with Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll at risk of nerve damage from vibrations.
In practice, Aston Martin completed only 17 laps. By comparison, last season the field was separated by little more than a second. Historic gaps like this have occurred before, such as Lola’s 11-second deficit in 1996, but for a team of Aston Martin’s stature, the gap is unacceptable.
Alonso’s Struggles
Alonso, 44, missed first practice due to engine problems. He experienced a similar situation at McLaren with Honda from 2015-17. Newey praised Alonso’s abilities and reaction times, saying his mental resilience is impressive despite the difficult start.
“Fernando is one of the true greats. His eyesight is excellent, reactions sharp, and he’s incredibly proud of being the fastest starter last year,” Newey said.
Newey added the team had hoped for a smoother start. “We knew this year would be a build year, but the distractions caused by these engine issues are difficult for Fernando.”
Honda’s Setbacks
Aston Martin signed as Honda’s works partner in May 2023, but the Japanese manufacturer’s F1 return came with challenges. Many original engineers did not return, with some leaving for other projects, including solar energy.
“They re-entered with only about 30% of the original team. With the budget cap in place, they started behind rivals and have struggled to catch up,” Newey explained.
The combination of inexperienced staff, a compressed chassis development schedule, and ongoing reliability issues has left Aston Martin far off the pace, raising doubts about whether the car can finish Sunday’s race.
