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Aston Martin plans early DNF in Australian GP amid Honda F1 crisis

The Aston Martin Formula 1 team has fallen into a dark hole, in no small part because of Honda. The AMR26’s Honda engine has been so unreliable that the Silverstone-based outfit failed to carry out its pre-season testing programme, spending more time in the garage than out on track. Honda is completely unprepared for the Australian Grand Prix, with multiple engine failures in Bahrain ...Keep reading

racingnews365.com·Jan 31

Fernando Alonso confirms significant Aston Martin detail after F1 test delay

Fernando Alonso has confirmed that Aston Martin completed its programme in Barcelona, despite missing the opening three and a half days of the test. The Silverstone-based outfit was not present in the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya paddock at the start of the test and only arrived ready to hit the track on Thursday. Alonso completed 61 laps compared to Lance Stroll’s four, marking the lowest total of any team present at the test. However, unlike Williams, Aston Martin did at least gather some data, with its planned programme for the final day and a half being completed. Alonso’s sole running in the AMR26 came on the final day of the test, marking a “special moment” for the two-time world champion as it represented another new regulatory cycle he has entered. Despite the significance of driving the new car, Alonso is aware that much work is required before not only the next test, but also the first race in Australia. "It’s always a special moment driving a new car for the first time, especially at the start of a new regulation cycle," said Alonso. "Over the years I’ve experienced many changes in Formula One, and you quickly get a sense of the direction the car is taking. "We completed a solid programme with strong mileage, which is the main priority at this stage. It’s still very early days and we have a lot of work still to do before we head to Melbourne in March."

racingnews365.com·Jan 26

Aston Martin reveal Barcelona F1 test plan after delay fears

Aston Martin has confirmed that it will not complete three days of running at this week’s official shakedown test in Barcelona. RacingNews365 discovered last week that the Silverstone-based team was facing potential delays with its AMR26, which will not be seen on track until the latter stages of the test. Aston Martin revealed in a statement that it will be at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this week but will not run until Thursday at the earliest, with the intention of also running on Friday. This means that only two days of running at best will be conducted by the British outfit, despite three being allowed for each team. An Aston Martin statement read: "The AMR26 will be in Barcelona later this week for its shakedown. Our intention is to run Thursday and Friday." https://x.com/AstonMartinF1/status/2015813301482008616?s=20 An update on Barcelona Shakedown. pic.twitter.com/dm9IWh2d32 — Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) January 26, 2026

racingnews365.com·Jan 25

Adrian Newey branded a 'master' as bold Aston Martin prediction made

1996 F1 champion Damon Hill has branded Adrian Newey a “master” and believes he could lead Aston Martin to the front. Newey joined Aston Martin at the start of March last year as managing technical partner, focusing fully on its 2026 car for the new power unit regulations. His switch to the Silverstone-based outfit followed his departure from Red Bull, where he was responsible for designing all of its race-winning cars. Crucially, Newey’s position at Aston Martin changed considerably at the end of 2025, when it was announced he would become team principal, taking over from Andy Cowell. It is a position the 67-year-old has never held, marking a first for him in what has been a long and illustrious F1 career. Newey has a reputation for producing winning cars, convincing Hill that he could lead Aston Martin towards the front under F1’s new regulations. Asked if Aston Martin could rise to the front, Hill told talkSPORT : "Yes, you could [see a changing of the guard in F1 this year]. I mean, we could see a complete surprise. "Something like when Jenson Button won with Brawn, they surprised everyone because they saw through the regulations. "And the master of seeing through the regulations is Adrian Newey, who's gone to Aston Martin. "He left Red Bull and Max Verstappen behind, and Christian Horner has left that team anyway. But he's gone off to Aston Martin. He's been working on this project now for a good 18 months or so. "So we're sort of expecting him to wave his magic wand over Aston Martin. It could happen."