Aston Martin started the 2026 Formula 1 season with difficulties, sitting at the bottom of the championship after three rounds. The Silverstone team has been dealing with problems in the chassis, power unit, and internal management, which has undergone constant changes, but this seems to have improved slightly in the most recent round.
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Honda engines have been the biggest concern: excessive vibrations caused battery failures and limited the car’s mileage. At the Japanese GP, Lance Stroll retired after 30 laps due to a water pressure problem. Even so, he stated that he had fun in the race: “It wasn’t great, but I was having a fun race with Fernando in our own championship, our own Aston Martin championship.”
The Canadian highlighted overtakes on Alonso and Valtteri Bottas, from Cadillac, during a tire change under the safety car, although he acknowledged that these maneuvers changed little of the final result. He also commented that the vibration problems continue and that it is difficult to notice progress on the AMR26 since Melbourne.
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Fernando Alonso, on the other hand, managed to finish the race for the first time this season. “We arrived in Australia 100% sure that we wouldn’t be able to finish, in China 95%, and now, in the third race, we finished,” said the two-time F1 champion. Regarding the vibrations, he stated they were “more controllable” in Japan and highlighted the importance of Suzuka, Honda’s home race: “The best part, unfortunately, was just finishing the race. But I think it’s already something to show that we are committed to helping them. It’s hard for everyone, but we are a team and we will improve together.”
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