Aston Martin’s 2026 pre-season has continued to be plagued by problems as testing at Bahrain heads toward its conclusion, with the team’s Honda power unit identified as the primary issue under the new regulations. The series of setbacks have cast a shadow over preparations, but there remain signs that efforts behind the scenes could improve the outlook.
Technical Challenges Hinder Team’s Progress
Throughout the testing period, the new Honda engine has struggled repeatedly, undermining the team’s ability to complete their scheduled programs. Pedro de la Rosa, Aston Martin’s ambassador, described the latest day as especially difficult, citing a power unit malfunction as the cause of curtailed running.
It has been a difficult day, especially because we had a very ambitious training plan with many things that we had left untested,
de la Rosa told DAZN.
In the end, it was a problem with the power unit. They’re still investigating what happened; it’s part of the job.
De la Rosa sought to put the challenges in context, explaining how the scrutiny around power unit issues has increased in recent years.
These days you go to train here in Bahrain and it’s like a race. Then you have a problem with the power unit and it seems like you have to issue a press release. In the past, nobody cared – it was just part of the job.
Fernando Alonso’s Testing Compromised Ahead of Season Start
The final day of testing for driver Fernando Alonso was severely disrupted, leaving significant work unfinished before the Australian Grand Prix. Key preparation activities, including running on the C4 tire compound, qualifying simulations, and practice starts, went uncompleted.
It’s a shame because it was Fernando’s last day. Tomorrow will be a compressed and ambitious day,
de la Rosa commented.
We’re going to Australia with a lot of unfinished business.
Ultimately, what you try to do is ensure that both drivers are as well prepared as possible for Australia, and today we haven’t given that to Fernando,
he acknowledged.
Honda’s Development of an Updated Engine Variant
Despite the setbacks, efforts to address the power unit problems are underway. Spanish commentator Antonio Lobato revealed that Honda’s engineers in Sakura are working intensively on a ‘B-spec’ engine upgrade aimed at improving competitiveness during the season.
Honda is already working in Sakura to prepare that B engine option,
Lobato reported.
The FIA’s balance-of-performance rules allow such a revised unit to be introduced as early as the seventh race, provided it demonstrates a performance gain exceeding two percent against the leading power units.
Shift in Team Roles and Technical Support
Amid speculation about staff changes at Aston Martin, Lobato indicated that Andy Cowell has shifted his role to assist Honda directly in Japan, contributing to the development of the new engine.
He has changed roles and is in Japan helping Honda’s work so that this new engine can be more competitive for Aston Martin,
Lobato revealed.
Anticipated Upgrades to Car Design
Beyond engine improvements, the car set to compete in Melbourne is expected to differ significantly from the problematic version tested in Bahrain. According to Lobato, famed engineer Adrian Newey has prepared notable aerodynamic upgrades that could transform the car’s performance.
The car for Australia is going to be completely different; it will have almost nothing to do with this one,
Lobato stated.
Adrian Newey has everything ready to introduce some pretty significant solutions.
Lobato also referred to Newey’s confidence in the chassis’ future competitiveness.
Adrian Newey says that in six, seven or eight races, aerodynamically, he is convinced that it will be the best chassis on the grid.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Potential Turnaround
Aston Martin’s struggles with their Honda power unit have severely disrupted their 2026 preparation, leaving drivers like Fernando Alonso less ready than desired for the opening rounds. However, the ongoing development of an upgraded engine and major aerodynamic revisions spearheaded by Adrian Newey may offer a significant performance boost as the season progresses. The coming races will determine whether these ‘Plan B’ efforts can help Aston Martin recover from one of their toughest starts in recent memory.
A statement from Honda. pic.twitter.com/egCYXubyFF
— Honda Racing F1 (@HondaRacingF1) February 20, 2026
