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Aston Martin Struggles: Is Newey's Magic Missing?
3 Mar
Summary
- Adrian Newey's radical Aston Martin is unexpectedly slow in testing.
- The team faces issues with Honda engine power and car reliability.
- Newey joined Aston Martin in March 2025, impacting development time.
Formula 1's preseason testing has revealed a significant surprise: Adrian Newey's radical Aston Martin is performing poorly. This car, designed by the sport's most successful designer, has been seen at the bottom of the time charts, raising concerns ahead of the season opener.
The team is currently grappling with multiple issues, including an unreliable car and a Honda engine that appears to lack power. Aston Martin's exclusive relationship with Honda means there's no other team using the same engine for comparison or knowledge sharing.
Adrian Newey, who was given full control as team principal, began his role at Aston Martin in March 2025. This delayed start meant other teams were already advanced in their 2026 development work, potentially contributing to Aston Martin's current challenges.
Despite these setbacks, driver Fernando Alonso expressed faith in Newey's ability to eventually develop the best car chassis, though he remains cautious about the power unit's performance. The team's testing was also hampered by battery problems, gearbox issues, and a shortage of parts, limiting valuable track time.
