Aston Martin is facing technical problems in the pre-season that could compromise the start of the Formula 1 season for the team. Honda, the engine supplier, identified “abnormal vibrations” in the AMR26, which affected the battery, and is working on solutions. However, retiring early from the Australian GP is already an option.
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The car, designed by team principal Adrian Newey, impressed with its aggressive look, but suffered with performance during testing in Bahrain. On the penultimate day, a technical failure kept the car in the garage, and on the final day Lance Stroll completed only six laps. In the end, the team totaled only 329 laps, finishing at the bottom of the table.
Two-time champion Fernando Alonso, who will turn 45, could have his patience tested if the team remains at the back of the pack. In an interview with RacingNews365, former driver and Sky Sports F1 commentator Anthony Davidson commented: “Fernando is very much part of this team, and will be working behind the scenes, trying to catch things up, literally, and [for the car] to be more reliable. But he is no longer blessed with much time on his side… everything could become too frustrating, perhaps.”
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Davidson also warned that the driver could explode emotionally again: “We’ll watch that with interest. I’m sure things could explode for him this year, emotionally, and we’ve seen that in the past. I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened again, because he’s that kind of passionate character.”
Aston Martin continues to race against time to try to improve the car’s performance; however, the lack of parts is an important factor for the Australian round, which takes place between 5 and 8 March.
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