Aston Martin faces significant performance challenges during the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite high expectations for its new partnership with Honda. The Silverstone-based team, now known as Aston Martin Aramco Honda Team, has secured only one point in the Constructors’ Championship.
Fernando Alonso earned this single point with a tenth-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The team currently sits tenth in the standings, ahead of only Cadillac.
The AMR26, the first car designed by Adrian Newey for Aston Martin, has been plagued by power deficits and severe chassis vibrations. These issues are attributed to the Honda power unit.
Honda’s Chief Engineer Shintaro Orihara acknowledged the difficulties, confirming problems with both the power unit and the overall AMR26 design. Newey indicated that Honda’s temporary F1 exit led to personnel losses, impacting communication and reliability.
In response to the performance gap, Honda is introducing a major power unit upgrade at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. This event is scheduled for August 21-23, 2026.
The upgrade involves a fundamental redesign of the engine internals, made possible by an FIA rule allowing development opportunities for underperforming power units. Honda’s engine was more than four percent adrift of the benchmark.
Prior to this, Aston Martin introduced a substantial 16-component upgrade package for the AMR26 at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This brought some improvements, with Alonso finishing 14th and Lance Stroll 13th.
Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin concludes at the end of the current season. He has expressed reservations about the 2026 regulations and is evaluating his future in the sport.
Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing confirmed its 2026 driver lineup in December 2025. Max Verstappen is partnered by Isack Hadjar, who was promoted from Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
Hadjar, 21, secured his promotion after an impressive rookie F1 season in 2025, which included a maiden podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson continues with Racing Bulls for 2026, joined by rookie Arvid Lindblad. Yuki Tsunoda transitioned to a Test and Reserve Driver role within the Red Bull family.
Looking to 2027, Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov is generating discussion for a potential F1 promotion. The 19-year-old Bulgarian leads the 2026 Formula 2 Championship by 20 points with six victories.
Tsolov has dismissed these rumors, stating his focus remains on securing the F2 title. Racing Bulls team boss Alan Permane confirmed Tsolov is on their radar but called the speculation ‘just rumours.’
