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Aston Martin faces dire crisis: Adrian Newey’s 2026 car struggles behind rivals in shocking start

Harry Stone by Harry Stone
February 13, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Aston Martin faces dire crisis: Adrian Newey’s 2026 car struggles behind rivals in shocking start

Title: Aston Martin's 2026 F1 Nightmare: Is the Legendary Newey's Design Doomed?

In a shocking turn of events, Aston Martin finds itself languishing at the back of the grid as it embarks on its new era powered by Honda engines, all under the guidance of the revered Adrian Newey, considered a titan of Formula 1 design. The AMR26, which was supposed to symbolize a leap forward for the British team, is instead a harbinger of trouble, showcasing alarming performance deficiencies right from the start.

The troubles began with a dismal debut at the Barcelona test, where the car struggled to log meaningful mileage. Although the second and third days of the Bahrain test showed some improvement, the team is still grappling with a vehicle that proves challenging to handle. Lance Stroll, the team's driver, bluntly revealed the staggering truth: Aston Martin is trailing by up to four seconds behind its competitors. “No one is happy when you are a second slower than what you were expecting,” lamented team representative Pedro de la Rosa, underscoring the grim reality that Aston Martin is facing.

So how could a team with such an illustrious figure like Newey at the helm fall so drastically behind? The answer lies in a series of misfortunes and delays. Newey's arrival in March 2025 set the stage for a late push in aerodynamic development, which he himself acknowledged put the team at a four-month disadvantage compared to rivals. Meanwhile, Honda's tumultuous journey back into Formula 1 after a two-year hiatus has left them scrambling to regain their footing.

De la Rosa elaborated on this disheartening situation, stating, “If we had possibly started earlier… if Adrian would have been here not the 2nd of March, but a few months earlier, if Honda wouldn't have gone and then come back – it's ifs and buts.” While the technical genius of Newey and the fresh perspective of ex-Ferrari tech chief Enrico Cardile were seen as beacons of hope, they alone cannot rectify the systemic issues plaguing the organization.

Additionally, Honda's return has been fraught with uncertainty. Following its exit from F1, the manufacturer redirected its resources away from motorsport, forcing them to essentially rebuild their expertise from scratch. The situation is further complicated by their partnership with an untested fuel supplier, Aramco, as F1 transitions to complex sustainable fuel systems.

As if the engine woes weren't enough, Aston Martin's new car design has been anything but smooth. Reports indicate that the AMR26 is overweight, underpowered, and inefficient, struggling to optimize its battery charging system critical for the new regulations. The car has exhibited erratic behavior on the track, with both Stroll and veteran Fernando Alonso finding it difficult to drive. “We are clearly behind,” de la Rosa stated bluntly, confirming the fears of both fans and team members alike.

With every passing day, Aston Martin's understanding of its new car appears further out of reach. The team has barely managed any significant long runs, leaving them to play catch-up. “We are on this steep learning curve,” de la Rosa noted, highlighting the limited laps completed compared to competitors. The team is still in the initial phase of grasping its new package and the implications of the 2026 regulations.

De la Rosa expressed empathy for the drivers, acknowledging the immense pressure they face amidst soaring expectations. However, he remains optimistic about Newey's leadership, asserting that the clarity and direction he brings are vital. “Since Adrian has arrived, his leadership is unquestionable,” he claimed, hoping that the team can rally together to overcome their significant hurdles.

As Aston Martin gears up for what promises to be a challenging season, one question looms large: Can Newey's genius and the team's combined efforts turn this ship around, or will they continue to be a footnote in the annals of Formula 1 history? The world will be watching closely as they attempt to navigate through this storm.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-formula-1-seasonAdrian NeweyAston MartinFernando AlonsoLance Stroll
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