The start of the 2026 season was supposed to mark a new era for Aston Martin. The arrival of Adrian Newey, considered the greatest designer in recent Formula 1 history, fueled hopes of a return to the top for the British team. But after the first race of the championship, the dream already seems to have turned into a nightmare.
Newey: "For Fernando, it's a difficult mental situation to go through right now."
In Melbourne, the car's technical problems were laid bare. Newey While remaining convinced of the potential of the chassis designed by the Silverstone team, the powertrain developed with Honda has proven extremely problematic. The vibrations generated by the power unit are so strong that they could even pose a danger to the drivers.
According to NeweyThe situation has become so worrying that the pilots fear serious physical consequences.
"Our mechanics worked until four in the morning. Emotionally, they are exhausted." the British engineer confided.
"The factory is very supportive, but it's essential that we resolve this issue as quickly as possible."
The extreme engine vibrations not only complicate the car's performance, but also the drivers' ability to last the distance of a full Grand Prix.
Dance what contexts, Fernando Alonso finds himself in a particularly difficult situation. At 44, the two-time world champion had hoped that the arrival of Newey would finally offer Aston Martin the car capable of allowing him to aim for victories again.
Newey He himself does not hide his admiration for the Spaniard.
“Fernando is, in my opinion, one of the greatest. With his talent and abilities, he should have won far more than the two championships he has.” »
Despite his age, Alonso remains according Newey one of the most impressive drivers on the grid.
"He is still as fast, as quick-witted. His reflexes are still exceptional, and he is very proud to have achieved the best reaction time at the start last year. »
But the engineer acknowledges that the current situation is particularly difficult for the Spanish veteran to cope with.
"For Fernando, it's a difficult mental situation to go through right now."
The team now works closely with Honda to try and resolve these vibration problems that are paralyzing the single-seater.
"Our priority is to collaborate with Honda to resolve this vibration issue and ensure engine reliability." ", has explained Newey.
For Aston MartinThe priority is therefore no longer pure performance, but simply making the car usable.
A brutal realization for a team that, just a few months ago, dreamed of fighting for the world championship.
