Aston Martin’s F1 Struggles: Can Adrian Newey Turn the Tide?
The Formula 1 season is underway, and already, a stark reality is setting in for Aston Martin. Despite the high-profile arrival of design legend Adrian Newey and a new works engine partnership with Honda, the team is currently languishing at the back of the grid. The gap between Aston Martin and the frontrunners is a concerning four seconds per lap, a deficit Lance Stroll openly acknowledged.
A Multi-faceted Problem
The performance shortfall isn’t down to a single issue, but a confluence of factors. Roughly 1.5 seconds of the deficit is attributed to the engine, even as the remaining 2.5 seconds stem from aerodynamic inefficiencies, particularly in slower corners. This suggests the car’s design isn’t fully optimized for the current regulations.
Newey’s arrival in March 2026, while a significant boost, came relatively late in the development cycle. The team is also navigating the complexities of building its own gearbox for the first time, adding another layer of challenge. Honda’s struggles, despite a relatively similar lead time to Red Bull for the new regulations, are currently unexplained.
Alonso’s Frustration and the Pressure to Perform
Fernando Alonso, a two-time F1 World Champion, is understandably frustrated. His body language after recent testing sessions spoke volumes, and his contract expires at the end of the year. At 45 in July, this season could be his last in Formula 1, and he’s not anticipating spending it battling for positions at the rear of the field.
“Definitely we are not in the position we wanted to be,” Alonso stated, highlighting late testing starts and ongoing reliability concerns as key contributors to their struggles.
Looking Ahead: A Plan for Recovery
Team representative Pedro de la Rosa acknowledges the situation, stating that while hindsight is easy, the focus must now be on a forward-looking plan. “Bottom line is we are sluggish. We’re not where we want to be. Let’s get a plan together. Let’s look ahead, not back [at] what went wrong.”
De la Rosa believes understanding the root causes of the issues provides confidence that improvements will come, albeit gradually.
Bahrain Test Lap Times: A Snapshot of the Current Order
The Bahrain test provided a clear picture of the current pecking order:
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:33.669
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:33.918
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:34.209
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:34.273
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1:34.549
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:34.669
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:34.798
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 1:35.349
- Esteban Ocon (Alpine) – 1:35.578
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 1:35.806
- Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) – 1:36.291
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) – 1:35.610
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) – 1:36.670
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 1:36.765
- Alex Albon (Williams) – 1:36.793
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 1:36.808
- Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) – 1:36.824
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 1:37.186
- Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) – 1:37.470
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 1:38.165
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 1:38.248
- Sergio Perez (Cadillac) – 1:38.653
FAQ
Q: What is causing Aston Martin’s poor performance?
A: A combination of factors, including engine performance, aerodynamic inefficiencies, a late start to development with Adrian Newey, and the team’s first experience building their own gearbox.
Q: How much time is Aston Martin losing per lap?
A: Approximately four seconds per lap compared to the frontrunners.
Q: Is Fernando Alonso considering retirement?
A: Alonso is 45 in July and out of contract at the end of the year, making this season potentially his last in F1.
Q: What is Aston Martin doing to address the issues?
A: The team is focused on developing a plan to improve performance, acknowledging the problems and working towards gradual improvements.
Did you know? Adrian Newey joined Aston Martin in March 2026, a relatively late start to the development cycle for the current season.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Formula 1 season unfolds and we track Aston Martin’s progress. What do you think – can Adrian Newey deliver a turnaround? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
