Aston Martin has been facing serious problems at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season. And for Bernie Collins, the team’s former head of strategy, changing the leader of the British team might not be the best way to resolve all these issues.
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In the first races of the year, the team has suffered greatly with the new Honda power unit, which has caused intense vibrations in the AMR26, potentially even posing serious health risks for the driver duo. Not only that, the car also fails to offer competitive pace.
Today, Adrian Newey holds the team principal seat, but rumors have suggested that Aston Martin is after Jonathan Wheatley. But for Collins, this should not be the path to follow. “It’s a name that has been mentioned alongside the Aston Martin team, and he could be a good option,” she told Sky Sports F1.
“Everyone is denying the rumors at this point, as they always do. We don’t know the reason for his departure from Audi, but this is happening very early in the season, in a new team,” she continued.
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“In Aston Martin’s case, there have been many changes at the top in recent years, and that is not the best way to deal with the problems they are facing with Honda. They need a bit of stability. They need a clear direction on what they are going to improve and how, where they are going to invest the money so that the car evolves,” she followed.
“What will be the primary factor, the development of the engine or the chassis? Where is that going? So, they need a clear direction in that sense. Regardless of who is in charge, I’m not sure if changing the people at the top is good for stability at this point,” she concluded.
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