Bahrain – Pre-season testing for the 2026 Formula 1 season has delivered a sobering reality check for Aston Martin, and particularly for veteran driver Fernando Alonso. Despite the arrival of highly-regarded team principal Adrian Newey, the Silverstone-based squad has struggled with reliability and performance during testing at the Sakhir circuit, leaving Alonso visibly frustrated.
Multiple reports indicate a challenging week for Aston Martin, marked by low mileage and persistent issues with the new Honda power unit. , Alonso completed only 98 laps over the three days, the fewest of any driver, while teammate Lance Stroll managed 108. This placed them at the bottom of the lap charts, significantly behind competitors. According to reports from MARCA and rtpa.es, the team faced repeated mechanical failures, including a new issue on the final day of testing.
The struggles are particularly concerning given the high expectations surrounding Newey’s appointment. Newey, renowned for his success with Red Bull Racing, was brought in to spearhead Aston Martin’s push for championship contention. Alonso, however, remains optimistic, emphasizing Newey’s experience and approach. “He’s different. He’s an incredible designer and he has a very different way of working within a team,
” Alonso stated, as reported by motorsport.com. He highlighted Newey’s willingness to solicit and incorporate driver feedback, even in an era dominated by computer simulations. “In an era of computers and simulations, Adrian still talks to the driver and uses feedback with the problems you’re having. He can take in the full picture of the problem and probably has the solution already in mind,
” Alonso added.
Despite his faith in Newey, Alonso acknowledged the work ahead. He described a “clear path of improvement” but also cautioned that the initial stages of the season may be difficult. “Melbourne’s car is going to be very different [to the AM car seen in testing]. We have [Newey], a guy that after 30-plus years in Formula 1 has been dominating the sport… So eventually we will have the best car. It’s a matter of time, but we want to have that as soon as possible,
” he told si.com. This suggests a significant overhaul of the AMR26 is already planned, with substantial upgrades expected to be introduced for the Australian Grand Prix.
The testing woes have drawn criticism and concern from fans, as noted by f1oversteer.com. Alonso himself expressed frustration with the car’s performance, though specific quotes detailing his anger were not provided in the source material. The team is reportedly four seconds off the pace of the leading cars, a substantial deficit to overcome before the season opener.
The integration of the new Honda power unit is proving to be a significant challenge. The repeated failures during testing have raised questions about the reliability of the partnership. El Periódico reported that the engine continued to cause problems during the final test session. Aston Martin logged the lowest mileage of any team, highlighting the extent of the issues.
While Alonso’s experience and Newey’s expertise offer a glimmer of hope, the team faces a steep climb to competitiveness. The early indications from testing suggest that Aston Martin will need to focus on addressing fundamental reliability issues and rapidly developing upgrades to close the gap to their rivals. The team’s ability to deliver on this front will be crucial to their success in the 2026 season. The pressure is mounting, and the team’s performance in the opening races will be closely scrutinized.
The situation is further complicated by the strong performance of other teams during testing. Charles Leclerc set the pace on the morning of the final day, as reported by Mix Vale, demonstrating the competitive landscape Aston Martin will face. The team will need to quickly resolve its issues and unlock the potential of its new package to challenge for podium finishes and championship points.
Alonso, at 44, remains a formidable competitor, but even his talent and experience may be tested by the challenges facing Aston Martin. He has emphasized the need to “walk before we run,” acknowledging that a patient and methodical approach is required to build a winning team. However, time is of the essence, and the team will need to demonstrate significant progress in the coming weeks to avoid falling behind in the championship battle.
