Jolyon Palmer gave a brief analysis of Aston Martin’s phase in Formula 1 2026 and how the extensive technical and performance problems effectively turned Fernando Alonso into a ‘test driver’.
Read more F1: Antonelli sees Ferrari closer to Mercedes after engine change
The start of the British team’s championship has been a disaster, even with the AMR26 being the first developed by Adrian Newey. In fact, the Spanish driver managed to finish only the third race of the year, in Japan, and still outside the points zone.
So, speaking to F1 Nation, Palmer believes that Alonso has been taken back almost to the beginning of his career, as he now tests components more than he competes in races.
Read more F1: Ricciardo reflects on Red Bull exit: «Verstappen annihilated me»
“He is a test driver. For the first time in about 25 years, he is a Formula 1 test driver, and that’s all Aston Martin is doing. It’s a shame they aren’t even competitive… he finished behind the Cadillac, Pérez had a good race in Japan, but they are far behind, and I think that’s why, to some extent, there’s nothing at stake for him or for Lance [Stroll],” he said.
“Every weekend they arrive, drive in circles, report a balance. It doesn’t even matter anymore at this point. The car has less downforce, but if they can’t even finish the race, they don’t even get close to Q2. Just bring us a lot of downforce, lose some weight. A large part of the work is clearly on Honda’s side. It doesn’t look like it’s going to be a quick fix,” he added.
Read more F1: Attempt to replace cancelled GPs with race in Adelaide failed
