#aston_martin

Aston Martin Enduring 'Horror Show' at Start of 2026 F1 Season with No Quick-Fix Likely Aston Martin and its engine partner Honda face an extended period of challenges as the team continues to struggle in the early stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Despite high expectations following the hiring of design legend Adrian Newey and the partnership with Honda, the British squad has yet to score a single point in the first three race weekends. Fernando Alonso’s 18th-place finish in Japan, the only time either of their cars completed a full Grand Prix, highlights the team’s ongoing difficulties. Martin Brundle, a commentator for Sky Sports F1, described the situation as a “horror show” that is unlikely to improve quickly. Brundle criticized the team’s lack of speed and reliability, noting that the challenges posed by the new era of F1 rules—combined with the sport’s relentless calendar and cost caps—make it difficult to turn things around in the short term. He emphasized that Aston Martin must address issues at Honda, including the direction of development, before significant progress can be made. “It’s a horror show, and we’re just going to have to observe that pain,” Brundle said on The F1 Show podcast. The team’s struggles are compounded by technical problems, particularly with the car’s vibration issues and reliability. Fernando Alonso confirmed that Aston Martin remains “unchanged” and has no “immediate solution” to the car’s problems. While Alonso expressed confidence that the team will eventually resolve its difficulties, Brundle and other commentators suggested that the gap between Aston Martin and the front-runners is too large to close quickly. “They’re missing three, four seconds sometimes per lap,” Brundle said. “That’s like a different category they’re in at the moment to the front runners.#aston_martin #adrian_newey #fernando_alonso #formula_1 #honda

Lewis Hamilton maintains a lead in the Ferrari battle with Charles Leclerc as the pair jostle for position in the Suzuka race. Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, secured his first podium finish for Scuderia Ferrari in China but faces renewed pressure from Leclerc, who is steadily closing the gap. Meanwhile, George Russell's struggles continue as he drops further down the standings, allowing Leclerc to advance into fourth place. Russell's performance has been erratic, with a sudden slowdown during the race enabling Leclerc to overtake him. The Mercedes driver now faces a daunting challenge to reclaim the podium, needing to surpass both Leclerc and Hamilton. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli leads the championship race, extending his advantage over Oscar Piastri with a two-second gap. Antonelli's dominance has shifted focus away from Russell, who now trails significantly in the standings. The race has also seen a notable incident involving Ollie Bearman of Aston Martin. Bearman crashed at the Spoon curve after a 50G impact, prompting immediate medical attention. X-rays revealed no fractures, though he sustained a right knee contusion. Bearman is currently in the medical center, with no immediate indication of a fracture, though his condition remains under review. The crash has added tension to the race, with teams and commentators closely monitoring his recovery. Team radio communications highlight the strategic battles unfolding. Leclerc reported losing time for information, while Hamilton's team noted a rival car's erratic behavior in Turns 9 and 14. These exchanges underscore the high stakes as drivers maneuver for positions. The race's top five positions are currently occupied by Antonelli, Piastri, Hamilton, Russell, and Leclerc, creating a tightly contested fight for podium spots.#charles_leclerc #aston_martin #lewis_hamilton #scuderia_ferrari #suzuka_race

Fernando Alonso opuści czwartkowy dzień medialny przed GP Japonii z powodu przygotowań do urodzenia pierwszego dziecka. Dwukrotny mistrz świata Formuły 1 i jego partnerka Melissa Jimenez ogłosili w ubiegłym roku, że spodziewają się maleństwa, które ma przyjść na świat w okolicach weekendu wyścigowego na torze Suzuka. Aston Martin poinformował, że 44-latek przyleci do Japonii w piątek, a nie w czwartek, co oznacza opóźnienie w planowanych wydarzeniach. Hiszpan również nie uczestniczy w piątkowym treningu rezerwowym kierowcy, co pozwoli na przekazanie sesji młodszemu zawodnikowi w ramach przepisów dotyczących młodych kierowców. Zespół Aston Martin wyjaśnił, że Alonso przybędzie w weekend nieco później z powodów rodzinnych, ale będzie na torze w piątek. Pierwszą sesją na Suzuka będzie drugi trening, w którym wystąpi wraz z Lance'em Stroll. Obaj kierowcy doświadczają trudności z modelu AMR26, który napędza jednostka Hondy. Problemy z baterią wynikają z nadmiernych wibracji silnika, co ograniczyło liczbę przejazdów zespołu z Silverstone podczas testów i dotychczasowych wyścigów. Brytyjska ekipa nie zdobyła jeszcze punktów i zajmuje ostatnie miejsce w klasyfikacji konstruktorów. Choć w Chinach zauważono pewien postęp w kwestii niezawodności baterii dzięki redukcji wibracji, oczekiwania względem Japonii są niewiele lepsze. Dyrektor operacji torowych Hondy Shintaro Orihara przyznał, że nadal nie osiągnięto poziomu wydajności, który oczekiwano, zwłaszcza w zakresie zarządzania energią. Suzuka jest wymagającym torem, więc zespół wykorzystuje wnioski z Australii i Chin, aby lepiej przygotować się do GP Japonii. Wśród innych wiadomości z sezonu 2026 pojawiły się doniesienia o potencjalnych zmianach w przepisach F1, związanej z presją kierowców, oraz spekulacjach dotyczących przyszłości kierowców.#aston_martin #fernando_alonso #honda #suzuka #melissa_jimenez

Jak Crawford pojedzie w treningu na Suzuce Jak Crawford będzie pierwszym kierowcą spoza stawki Formuły 1, który weźmie udział w sesji treningowej sezonu 2026. Trzeci kierowca zespołu Aston Martin zasiądzie za kierownicą samochodu AMR26, zastępując Fernando Alonso na torze Suzuka. Zgodnie z obowiązującymi przepisami, każdy etatowy zawodnik musi ustąpić miejsca młodemu kierowcy dwukrotnie w trakcie sezonu. Crawford skorzystał już z tej zasady w ubiegłym roku, uczestnicząc w sesjach weekendu Grand Prix w Meksyku oraz Abu Zabi. W połączeniu z prywatnymi testami, 20-latek przejechał już ponad 3000 kilometrów za kierownicą bolidów Astona Martina. „Jestem bardzo podekscytowany, że będę mógł wsiąść do samochodu i pojechać dla zespołu na Suzuce. To historyczny, ale i wymagający tor, więc nie mogę się doczekać, aby wykorzystać w praktyce to, czego nauczyłem się w symulatorze. Dziękuję zespołowi za tę szansę. Jak przy poprzednich sesjach FP1, chcę wyciągnąć z tego maksimum i nauczyć się jak najwięcej” – powiedział Crawford. Szef operacji torowych zespołu, Mike Krack, podkreślił znaczenie tej szansy dla rozwoju młodego kierowcy: „To świetnie, że możemy dać Jakowi kolejną okazję w FP1 w ramach naszego zaangażowania w rozwój młodych talentów. Ciężko pracował, szczególnie w symulatorze w Silverstone, a ta sesja pozwoli mu zdobyć kolejne cenne doświadczenie na torze. To ważny krok w jego rozwoju, a jednocześnie szansa na dostarczenie zespołowi istotnych danych i informacji zwrotnych”.#aston_martin #jak_crawford #mike_krack #suzuka #fp1

Fernando Alonso z延遲到达日本大奖赛 Fernando Alonso将稍晚抵达日本大奖赛，原因是家庭原因。官方表示，这位两届世界冠军将缺席周四在 Suzuka 的媒体日活动，但计划于周五返回赛道。据BBC报道，Alonso 已成为父亲，他的妻子 Melissa Jimenez 预期产子。 Alonso 将由美国车手 Jak Crawford 代替参加周五的首次练习赛。Aston Martin 官方声明称，Alonso 的缺席是由于家庭事务，但强调他将准时参加周五的赛道活动。这一消息在社交媒体上引发热议，粉丝们对 Alonso 的新家庭生活表示祝贺。 此前，Alonso 与 Melissa Jimenez 的怀孕消息已在12月公布。此次日本站的安排显示，Alonso 的家庭生活与职业赛事之间的平衡成为焦点。尽管缺席部分活动，但车队确认他将保持参赛状态，为周末的比赛做好准备。 这一调整也反映了 F1 赛事对车手个人生活的尊重，同时确保比赛进程不受影响。Alonso 的缺席不会影响 Aston Martin 的备战计划，车队将继续推进技术优化和策略制定。粉丝们期待他尽快回归赛场，同时祝福新生命的到来。#aston_martin #fernando_alonso #jak_crawford #suzuka #melissa_jimenez

Crawford's Development Journey Continues with Latest Aston Martin FP1 Outing Jak Crawford’s Formula 1 development is set to progress further with his latest Formula 1 Practice Session (FP1) appearance for Aston Martin at the Japanese Grand Prix. The American, currently serving as the team’s third driver, is focusing entirely on his F1 responsibilities after completing his Formula 2 campaign and earning an FIA Super License. Chief trackside officer Mike Krack emphasized the importance of the session in providing Crawford with valuable track experience in a new car. Crawford will drive Fernando Alonso’s car during FP1 at Suzuka, a track he has never visited before. The 20-year-old described the opportunity as particularly special, noting it marks his first time at the Japanese circuit and his status as the first confirmed rookie to complete a practice session this season. “It’s such a historic yet demanding circuit, and I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned in the simulator to real track conditions,” he said. “A big thank you to the team for giving me this opportunity. As with my previous FP1 sessions, I’m looking forward to making the most of it and learning as much as I can.” Krack highlighted the team’s commitment to developing young talent, stating that Crawford’s seat time in the new car is a significant step in his growth. “He has been working hard, especially in the simulator back at Silverstone, and this session will allow him to continue building valuable track experience,” Krack added. “It’s an important opportunity for him to keep progressing, while also contributing to the team by gathering useful data and feedback.” Crawford’s role at Aston Martin requires him to be prepared to replace either race driver at short notice if they are unable to compete.#aston_martin #jak_crawford #mike_krack #japanese_grand_prix #suzuka

Jak Crawford to replace Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin for first practice session in Japan Aston Martin has confirmed that reserve driver Jak Crawford will take part in the opening practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix, marking his third appearance in the team’s FP1 sessions this season. The decision follows a pattern of giving Crawford opportunities to gain track experience, with previous sessions held in Mexico and Abu Dhabi last year. This time, Crawford will drive the AMR26, the car typically used by Fernando Alonso during practice runs. The 20-year-old American racer expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, highlighting the significance of Suzuka as a historic and challenging circuit. “I’m really excited to get behind the wheel and drive for the team at Suzuka,” Crawford said. “It’s such a historic yet demanding circuit, and I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned in the simulator to real track conditions.” He also thanked the team for the chance to continue learning and contributing to the project. Aston Martin’s Chief Trackside Officer, Mike Krack, emphasized the importance of developing young talent through such sessions. “It’s great that we’re able to give Jak another opportunity in FP1 as part of our ongoing commitment to developing young talent,” Krack stated. He noted that Crawford has been working diligently, particularly in the simulator at Silverstone, and that this session will help him build valuable experience. The team also highlighted the role Crawford can play in gathering data and feedback to support their development efforts. Crawford’s recent racing career includes a runner-up finish to McLaren junior Leonardo Fornaroli in Formula 2 last season. Prior to that, he had secured race wins at the F3 and F4 levels, showcasing his potential in junior formulas.#aston_martin #jak_crawford #suzuka_circuit #mike_krack #japanese_grand_prix

Aston Martin DBX S: A Bold Evolution of the Super SUV The Aston Martin DBX S arrives as a striking departure from its predecessor, the DBX 707, which already set a high bar with its blend of luxury and performance. While the 707 offered a compelling mix of family-friendly practicality and supercar-like thrills, the DBX S takes that formula and amps it up, delivering a more aggressive, power-packed version of the same concept. This new model answers an unspoken demand for more—more power, more presence, and more personality. Visually, the DBX S is a statement. Its lower stance, widened rear haunches, and larger air intakes give it a more muscular, assertive look. The optional carbon-fibre roof, magnesium alloy wheels, and polycarbonate grille allow for a weight reduction of nearly 47kg, while the front splitter adds a touch of racing-inspired aggression. Despite these changes, the car retains Aston Martin’s signature sleek, long-bonnet design, balancing athletic proportions with a refined aesthetic. Inside, the cabin feels less like an SUV and more like a private club. Premium leather, intricate contrast stitching, and a driver’s seat that offers a snug, supportive embrace create an environment where indulgence is tangible. Every detail, from the tactile controls to the ergonomic layout, reinforces the car’s status as a luxury machine. The DBX S’s true strength lies in its driving dynamics. While the 707 was already impressive, the S elevates the experience with a twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 717 horsepower—a 10-horsepower increase over its predecessor. The recalibrated suspension, all-wheel-drive system, and refined handling make the car feel both precise and playful.#aston_martin #dbx_s #aston_martin_dbx_s #aston_martin_dbx_707 #aston_martin_db12

2026 Aston Martin DBX S Review: This Performance SUV Is Borderline Absurd Five days before I was set to drive Aston Martin’s 717-horsepower DBX S SUV, a blizzard buried the East Coast in a foot of snow and ice. Arctic temperatures followed, and the resultant icy mixture coating roads and sidewalks looked like a late-night milkshake half-eaten and forgotten about in the freezer for a month. I emailed the fine folks who manage Aston’s New York press fleet to ask if they still thought turning me loose in a car with 23-inch magnesium wheels—a $21,600 option—was still a good idea. To their credit, they said yes. The DBX S is a new trim level for 2026, slotting in above the now-base DBX 707. For an extra $13,000, you get a 20-horsepower bump from 697 to 717 and a 103-pound weight savings, if you check another $38,000 in boxes for optional carbon fiber. Despite the extra power, the DBX 707’s 3.3-second zero-to-60 time and 193-mph top speed remain unchanged. The DBX S also gets a retuned steering rack with a four-percent faster ratio but no mechanical changes. On top of its $291,200 base price, including destination and import tariffs, this DBX S carried an eye-watering $131,000 in options. Exterior trim options included a special Q metallic white paint ($13,600), carbon-fiber upper ($10,800) and lower ($20,200) exterior packs with a red pinstripe theme ($14,400), and a carbon-fiber roof ($7,200) on top of the aforementioned magnesium wheels. Inside, the DBX S sports dual-tone seats ($9,300), a "jewelry pack" ($6,200), and more carbon ($5,500) plus mirrored stitching ($2,900). Not all of these options are just for show.#aston_martin #dbx_s #aston_martin_new_york_press_fleet #carbon_fiber #magnesium_wheels

Max Verstappen en difficulté lors des qualifications du Grand Prix d’Australie Max Verstappen a connu une accalmie inattendue lors des qualifications du Grand Prix d’Australie, qui s’est déroulé sur le circuit d’Albert Park le 7 mars 2026. Le Néerlandais, pilote de la Red Bull, a perdu le contrôle de sa monoplace au cours de son premier tour rapide. L’incident s’est produit au cours de la ligne droite des stands, où sa voiture a pris une position inversée avant de heurter le mur de pneumatiques après avoir traversé la zone de gravier. Malgré cette défaillance technique, Verstappen a rassuré son équipe et a exprimé son irritation en commentant l’incident. « Je vais bien. L’essieu arrière s’est bloqué. Fantastique… », a-t-il déclaré, avant de préciser qu’il partirait en 20e position, devant les deux Aston Martin. L’incident a mis en lumière les défis techniques auxquels les équipes doivent faire face lors des qualifications, souvent dominées par les écuries comme Mercedes. Bien que Verstappen ait échoué dans sa tentative de s’imposer en tête, son équipe reste optimiste pour la course proprement dite. Le Néerlandais, quadruple champion du monde, n’a pas subi de blessures graves, ce qui évite tout risque de suspension ou de pénalité. Cependant, son départ en 20e position pourrait rendre la course plus incertaine, surtout avec la présence des Aston Martin, qui ont montré une bonne forme lors des qualifications. L’article souligne également les enjeux liés à la saison 2026 de la Formule 1, qui débute à Melbourne. Le calendrier inclut 24 courses, sans le Grand Prix de France, mais avec une nouvelle épreuve à Madrid. Les équipes doivent également gérer des défis logistiques, comme les retards de vol dus au conflit au Moyen-Orient, qui compliquent le voyage vers l’Australie.#red_bull #aston_martin #max_verstappen #melbourne #grand_prix_australie

Winners and Losers from F1 Australian Grand Prix Practice Sessions The first two hours of on-track action at the Australian Grand Prix provided insights into the competitive landscape for the 2026 Formula 1 season, revealing both unexpected challenges and promising performances. Teams and drivers faced a mix of technical hurdles, strategic adjustments, and varying levels of preparation, shaping the early dynamics of the race weekend. Aston Martin emerged as a major disappointment, with its performance in practice sessions highlighting significant mechanical and power-related issues. Adrian Newey confirmed Honda’s struggles, noting the team had only two working batteries remaining, severely limiting the car’s potential. Fernando Alonso, the team’s star driver, was absent from FP1 and struggled in FP2, completing 18 laps but finishing nearly five seconds behind the pace. Lance Stroll managed only 13 laps in FP2, placing him six seconds off the lead. Despite these setbacks, the team still hopes to qualify for the race, though its chances of competing effectively remain uncertain. Mercedes, once considered a pre-season favorite, faced its own challenges. George Russell encountered difficulties in FP1, and while his team showed improvement in FP2, he failed to match the pace of Ferrari and Red Bull. The team’s performance suggested a more competitive race weekend ahead, but the gap between Mercedes and its rivals remained evident. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri of McLaren stood out as a standout performer, finishing fastest overall and comfortably ahead of his teammate Lando Norris, who struggled with a clutch issue in FP1. Piastri’s strong showing bolstered McLaren’s hopes for a strong 2026 campaign.#oscar_piastri #aston_martin #adrian_newey #fernando_alonso #lance_stroll

Aston Martin chief Adrian Newey has warned that neither of the team's cars will be able to complete the season-opening Australian Grand Prix due to severe vibration issues in their Honda power unit. The problem, which emerged during pre-season testing in Bahrain, has raised serious safety concerns for drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, with both reporting risks of permanent nerve damage if they attempt to race. Newey revealed during a press conference in Melbourne that Alonso believes he can only safely complete 25 consecutive laps before risking harm, while Stroll estimates his limit at 15 laps. The team’s collaboration with Honda has been hindered by the vibration issue, which has also prevented the power unit from operating at full capacity. Newey emphasized the need for immediate restrictions on race distance until the root cause is resolved, stating, “We are going to have to be very heavily restricted on how many laps we do in the race until we get on top of the source of the vibration.” Honda executive Koji Watanabe confirmed the challenges, explaining that vibrations during testing damaged battery components and prevented the team from meeting their mileage targets. While engineers from both teams are working on countermeasures, Watanabe admitted the solutions are not yet guaranteed to work under race conditions. “Based on extensive testing, we will introduce countermeasures... but its effectiveness cannot yet be fully guaranteed under the real track condition,” he said. The issues highlight the difficulties of F1’s shift toward more electrical power units, a change introduced for the first time since 2014. Despite Honda’s past success with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the partnership has faced significant setbacks, with Watanabe acknowledging they have yet to identify the “root cause” of the problem.#aston_martin #adrian_newey #fernando_alonso #lance_stroll #honda

Honda Engines Pose Nerve Damage Risk to F1 Drivers, Says Newey Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey has warned that vibrations from the team’s Honda engines could lead to permanent nerve damage for drivers within 25 laps of racing. The concerns were raised ahead of the new Formula 1 season, highlighting the ongoing challenges Honda faces as it partners with Aston Martin amid performance and reliability issues. Newey’s comments underscore the severity of the problem, which has already impacted pre-season testing and could affect the team’s competitiveness in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The vibrations from the Honda power unit have caused multiple mechanical failures during testing, including mirrors and tail lights detaching from the cars. Newey emphasized that the most critical issue is the transmission of these vibrations to the driver’s hands, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll reporting that they could only safely complete 25 or 15 laps, respectively, before risking nerve damage. Alonso described the sensation as his hands and feet feeling numb after several laps, adding that the situation is “unusual” and could have long-term consequences if left unresolved. Aston Martin has implemented measures to address the vibrations, focusing on preventing them from damaging the hybrid system’s batteries, which were a major issue during pre-season testing. However, these fixes have not eliminated the vibrations entirely, as they continue to affect the chassis and steering. Honda F1 boss Koji Watanabe acknowledged that the effectiveness of these solutions would only be clear once the cars hit the track, with the team still struggling to fully resolve the vibration problem.#aston_martin #adrian_newey #fernando_alonso #lance_stroll #honda