Aston Martin made a major blunder during last week’s test in Bahrain. After technical problems with the new Honda power unit they were limited to short runs on the final day. The issues were so serious that the Brits threw in the towel after six(!) laps and ended their test programme early. At a meeting of the F1 commission, team boss Adrian Newey is said to have underlined the gravity of the situation.
Based on the test figures, Aston Martin could be worse off than anyone heading into 2026. The team turned up late for the shakedown in Barcelona and logged the fewest kilometres during the Bahrain test days. Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were plagued by drivetrain problems; particularly bitter for the Spaniard, who during his second stint at McLaren already battled a faulty Honda unit.
Reportedly, increased electrification is the biggest stumbling block for the Japanese engine supplier. At the F1 commission meeting Newey, who could only test his radical AMR26 design in a limited way, outlined the technical failures. The cars will rely more than ever on recovered energy in 2026. According to the Brit, however, the Honda power unit cannot even generate the lower threshold of 250 kW, let alone the maximum of 350 kW, BBC Sport reports.
107-percent rule
Rumours are now circulating that it’s uncertain whether Aston Martin can make the season opener in Melbourne. Based on the latest test day, that’s not an impossible scenario. On top of that, the team has to contend with the 107-percent rule, which is still in force. That rule requires drivers to post a lap within 107 percent of the fastest Q1 time and exists to safeguard safety and competitiveness.
The question is whether Aston Martin and Honda can sort these issues out before the Australian GP. For now, the limited running makes a definitive judgement difficult. What is beyond doubt is that the AMR26 was short on corner speed: according to Lance Stroll he was losing four to five seconds through the turns. The first sessions in Melbourne will tell whether Aston Martin can reverse the trend.
See the F1 calendar for 2026
