Aston Martin endure ‘horror show’ start to 2026 Formula 1 season
Aston Martin’s disastrous start to the 2026 Formula 1 season is unlikely to be resolved quickly following a point-less opening three races, according to Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle.
The Silverstone-based outfit have endured a torrid introduction to the sport’s new regulatory era.
Their struggles come despite high expectations surrounding their new works engine partnership with Honda and the arrival of renowned designer Adrian Newey.
Neither of their cars has managed to challenge for the top 10 so far this year.
A solitary 18th-place finish for Fernando Alonso in Japan represents their only full Grand Prix completion across the opening three weekends.
‘Neither speed nor reliability’
The Spanish veteran and his team-mate Lance Stroll qualified an alarming four seconds off the leading pace at Suzuka.
Canadian driver Stroll later joked that the duo were competing in their own internal championship at the back of the grid.
Former racer Brundle described the situation as a nightmare that will prove exceptionally difficult to rectify under current cost cap restrictions.
“It’s a nightmare, whichever way you look at it, they’ve got neither speed nor reliability,” Brundle stated on The F1 Show podcast.
“In the days of relentless Formula 1 championship calendars and cost caps, it’s going to be very difficult to turn that around in the time.”
Long road to recovery
The British team are battling severe engine vibrations that have drastically limited their early-season track time.
Brundle believes the fundamental issues surrounding the power unit mean a comprehensive solution may not arrive until 2027.
“They’ve got to get the right people in at Honda, get the right direction,” Brundle added.
“It’s a horror show, and we’re just going to have to observe that pain.”
Both the constructor and their Japanese engine supplier remain focused on delivering immediate fixes ahead of the Miami Grand Prix in early May.
Technical chief Newey remains confident the AMR26 chassis holds intrinsic promise once power-unit performance finally improves.
