Adrian Newey, Team Principal of Aston Martin, has stated that Honda is disappointed with its progress during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Newey’s comments came during Friday’s FIA press conference at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. He acknowledged that the Japanese manufacturer’s performance has not met expectations in its first year as Aston Martin’s exclusive power unit supplier.
Honda Racing Corporation entered into an exclusive works team agreement with Aston Martin for the 2026 season, forming the Aston Martin Aramco Honda Team. This marked Honda’s return as an independent engine supplier after ending its relationship with Red Bull Racing.
The season began with significant challenges for the new partnership. Honda’s power unit encountered severe vibration and reliability problems in the early rounds. These issues were substantial enough to damage the power unit’s battery and other car components.
Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll reportedly faced difficulties due to these vibrations. Alonso indicated he could not complete more than 25 consecutive laps without risking nerve damage, while Stroll’s limit was 15 laps.
In response to these early struggles, the FIA revised F1 regulations in May, permitting Honda to increase development expenditure. Subsequent power unit upgrades were introduced, including a new turbocharger at the Singapore Grand Prix.
However, Honda’s trackside chief Shintaro Orihara confirmed that the new turbocharger did not fully resolve turbo lag issues in Singapore. He attributed this to the circuit’s unique layout and specific energy management demands of the 2026 regulations.
Former Honda engineer Yasuaki Asaki identified a fundamental reason for the power deficit. He stated that the 2026 regulation change, which lowered the internal combustion engine’s compression ratio from 18:1 to 16:1, hindered high-speed combustion.
Asaki believes Honda’s combustion speed is currently slower than rival manufacturers such as Mercedes, Ferrari, and newcomer Audi. This technical shortfall contributes to the power unit’s overall performance.
Newey conceded that Honda’s current position is ‘a little bit behind’ where Red Bull, as a works team, began its partnership with Honda in 2019. He noted that 2026 is Honda’s first year back as a full supplier to Aston Martin.
I think it’s fair to say that Honda have probably been a little bit disappointed with how much progress they have managed to make this year.
Despite the challenges, Newey expressed confidence in Honda’s determination and processes for future development. He highlighted ongoing projects for 2027, which show promise.
Aston Martin currently occupies 10th position in the 2026 Constructors’ Championship standings with 7 points. Fernando Alonso has secured all of the team’s points, while Lance Stroll has yet to score.
The team is positioned ahead of only F1 newcomer Cadillac in the standings. Cadillac, using Ferrari power units, is in 11th place with 0 points.
Cadillac has faced its own debut season difficulties, including repeated brake fires and a general lack of pace. Sergio Pérez initially scored a point in Monaco, but a penalty nullified the result.
Newey’s remarks followed a scheduled executive meeting between Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll and Honda representatives in Japan. Newey participated in this meeting remotely.
