Adrian Newey has provided a candid assessment of Aston Martin’s 2026 Formula 1 season, highlighting significant performance issues with the Honda power unit. His comments were made during Friday’s FIA press conference at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
The AMR26, designed under Newey’s leadership, has consistently operated at the rear of the grid throughout the current season. Aston Martin currently occupies tenth position in the Constructors’ standings, having secured only seven points.
The primary factor in the team’s underperformance has been the Honda power unit, which has compromised the overall car package. This partnership marks Honda’s return as a works engine supplier.
Early in the 2026 season, the Honda power unit exhibited severe vibrations. These issues led to reliability problems and restricted the team’s mileage during pre-season testing.
Reports indicated that the vibrations were so pronounced that drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll faced potential nerve damage. Honda’s chief engineer, Shintaro Orihara, admitted the 2026 power unit was known to be uncompetitive since late 2025.
Orihara confirmed that by January 2026, Honda recognised significant deficiencies in both performance and reliability. Former Honda engineer Yasuaki Asaki attributes the power deficit to the 2026 regulation changes.
Asaki specifically cited the lowered compression ratio for internal combustion engines, from 18:1 to 16:1, as a key factor. This change has hindered high-speed combustion, an area where Honda’s engine has underperformed compared to rivals.
Aston Martin introduced a substantial aerodynamic upgrade at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July. Honda followed with its first major power unit update, known as Spec 2, at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
A second Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) package was subsequently introduced in Spain. Despite these efforts, the power unit’s issues persist, limiting the team’s competitive gains.
GPS data analysis suggests the AMR26 chassis possesses considerable potential. This indicates that the car could contend for higher positions if equipped with a more competitive power unit.
Newey compared Honda’s current position to its 2019 partnership with Red Bull. He stated that Honda is ‘a little bit behind’ that benchmark.
I would say, at the moment, in all truth, Honda are a little bit behind where Red Bull, as the works team, RBR, picked up Honda in 2019.
He noted that 2026 marks Honda’s inaugural year back as a works supplier, contrasting with Red Bull’s partnership which began four seasons after Honda’s 2015 return.
Newey acknowledged Honda’s disappointment with their 2026 progress. However, he expressed confidence in their capacity to accelerate development and comprehend the new power unit regulations for 2027.
Reports indicated that Lawrence Stroll travelled to Japan for discussions with Honda after the Singapore Grand Prix. Newey clarified this as part of a regular executive schedule.
These discussions are understood to focus on Honda’s recovery strategy for the 2027 season. Honda’s internal combustion engine was measured over four percent behind the benchmark, qualifying them for ADUO under FIA concession mechanisms.
This system grants Honda additional testing time, increased spending flexibility, and greater scope for power unit modifications. Honda has also implemented an internal reshuffle, with Yoichiro Fukao now leading the programme since October.
Koji Watanabe, President and CEO of Honda Racing Corporation, is scheduled to retire on January 1, 2027. Newey, who assumed the Team Principal role for 2026, has focused on enhancing the team’s working culture and collaboration.
Looking ahead to 2027, Newey cautioned that predicting Honda’s competitiveness at the start of the season remains premature. Further development is contingent on evolving power unit regulations.
He emphasised that overall car performance, including packaging and installation, holds greater significance than isolated engine figures. Meanwhile, new team Cadillac has also faced significant challenges in their debut 2026 season, currently holding last place in the Constructors’ Championship.
