Aston Martin reduced the scope of its Formula 1 pre-season trial schedule in Bahrain following previous mechanical problems.
After transitioning to a Honda engine provider for F1’s latest period, Aston Martin stands as the sole competitor utilizing the Japanese powerplants and has faced difficulties thus far.
Despite its average speed, the AMR26’s lack of dependable operation emerged as the predominant concern at Sakhir.
On Wednesday, the vehicle crafted by Adrian Newey was sidelined in the pit box for four hours owing to a problem with its power unit; once Lance Stroll eventually commenced the team’s afternoon agenda, he rapidly veered into the gravel after experiencing what appeared to be an equipment malfunction rather than a mistake by the driver.
Thursday saw Fernando Alonso confront an additional power unit malfunction, disrupting his afternoon track time.
The Aston vehicle returned to the circuit only around 1:45 PM local time on Friday. Stroll managed a limited number of circuits – with his car evidently challenging to control, evident from a significant wheel lock-up and a departure from the track – prior to the team concluding operations for the day.
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing
Photo by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
This hindrance is partially connected to a scarcity of components, as disclosed by Honda and team representative Pedro de la Rosa.
“During Fernando Alonso’s final session yesterday, we identified a battery-specific problem which affected our testing schedule alongside the Aston Martin F1 team,” Honda communicated via social media early on Friday.
“From that point, we initiated simulation trials on the HRC Sakura test stand. Because of this and a deficit of power unit components, we adjusted today’s track agenda to be extremely restricted and comprise solely of brief intervals.”
De la Rosa corroborated Honda’s assessment and Aston’s subsequent contingency strategy.
“We experienced certain battery difficulties on Fernando’s car yesterday, leading Honda to conduct test simulations at the Sakura test facility,” the ex-grand prix racer informed F1 TV that morning.
“Consequently, and also given our component scarcity, our track time today will be highly constrained. These sessions will be brief, with at least a thirty-minute interlude between them, enabling us to meticulously examine the data and evaluate certain aspects during these infrequent outings. However, extended runs are certainly not on our agenda for today.”
Stroll did complete two preliminary laps and an additional pair of two-lap durations, achieving a total of six circuits.
Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing
Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
This impediment exacerbates Aston’s existing difficulties; the AMR26’s trial best time of 1m35.974s lags a considerable 1.4 seconds behind all other competitors, save for the newly formed Cadillac team.
“Unquestionably, our current standing is not our desired position,” De la Rosa conceded. “During the pre-season assessments, we completed the fewest laps of any squad. Naturally, our preference would have been for significantly greater mileage, yet despite our limited lap count, we possess a vast collection of information to analyze and use for our readiness for Australia.
“This entails a fresh rulebook, with every aspect being novel. We have a new collaborator in Honda, an updated gearbox, and revised rear suspension. In fact, there are numerous elements upon which we already have a strong grasp, and we clearly recognize the specific sections and components of the vehicle requiring our attention.
“Therefore, this isn’t our intended position. We would have favored logging considerably more laps, but the number of laps we completed indicates a path forward. Consequently, substantial efforts remain to be undertaken away from public view.”
When queried about the potential for a challenging beginning to the 2026 F1 campaign, De la Rosa responded: “Indeed, it will be. I mean, commencing from a disadvantageous position invariably presents greater obstacles.”
“However, as you know, we benefit from excellent collaborators. We partner with Honda, we possess an outstanding facility, with individuals exerting maximum effort to achieve the optimal balance for Australia. And from there, our sole task is diligent work, building upon the extensive knowledge gained during this pre-season, and progressing. It’s an arduous endeavor, and the season itself is extensive, yet we still have an objective to fulfill.”
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– The Autosport.com Team
