Technical issues for Aston Martin during the Bahrain tests have jeopardized the team’s preparations for the new Formula 1 season. An unexpected engine failure in the Honda power unit on the AMR26 left Lawrence Stroll’s team at the very bottom in terms of laps completed among all the participants. With every minute on track critically important for data collection and car setup, such a setback could have serious consequences for the ambitions of Fernando Alonso and his team.
Пока конкуренты наращивали темп и тестировали новшества, Aston Martin был вынужден большую часть времени проводить в боксах, анализируя аномалии в работе силовой установки. Это не только замедлило процесс адаптации к новым регламентам, но и поставило под сомнение готовность коллектива к первой гонке сезона в Австралии.
Disastrous start
On the first day of testing in Sakhir, Aston Martin planned to put Lance Stroll on track to gather as much information as possible about the new car’s behavior. However, engineers noticed suspicious engine readings already during the morning session. After a short run of laps, the team decided to halt testing and focus on a detailed diagnosis. As a result, Aston Martin completed only 36 laps—several times fewer than the test leaders such as Williams, who managed over 140 laps in a single day.
For a team aiming to fight for podiums, such a result is an alarming sign. In a climate of intense competition and constant changes to technical regulations, every missed opportunity to test the car on track can prove costly at the start of the championship.
Team response
In an official statement, Aston Martin representatives emphasized that the morning test plan had been completed, but after lunch an anomaly was detected in the power unit data. The engineers decided to carry out preventive checks to avoid a recurrence of the problem in the future. Lance Stroll, who was unable to continue working on track, noted that the team faced significant work to bring the car up to the required level.
Of particular concern was the fact that similar issues had already occurred during previous tests in Barcelona, where Aston Martin also failed to complete a high number of laps. The repeat situation in Bahrain raised further doubts about the car’s reliability and readiness for the start of the season.
A challenge for Alonso
On the second day of testing, Fernando Alonso took the wheel of the AMR26. The Spanish Formula 1 veteran had the chance to make up for lost time and gather as much data as possible for the engineers. However, limited track time and the need to constantly monitor the engine condition prevented the team from carrying out all their plans.
The team hopes that Alonso will be able to complete a full session without further technical failures, in order to prepare the car for the decisive stages of pre-season testing. Otherwise, Aston Martin risks starting the championship with insufficiently proven equipment and a limited amount of data for analysis.
Consequences and expectations
Honda engine issues during testing in Bahrain have sparked discussions not only among experts but also among fans. Many are wondering whether the team can quickly fix all the problems and be ready for the start of the season in top form. While competitors are making the most of their time and actively preparing for the first races, Aston Martin finds itself in a catch-up position.
The team still has one more day of testing ahead, with Lance Stroll back behind the wheel. The team’s starting position in the championship and Fernando Alonso’s chances for a successful 2026 campaign will largely depend on how well these tests go.
Fernando Alonso is one of the most decorated and experienced Formula 1 drivers, with a career spanning over two decades. The Spaniard is a two-time world champion, renowned for his ability to adapt to any technical changes. In recent years, Alonso has become a symbol of perseverance and professionalism, and his move to Aston Martin was seen as a new challenge for the entire team. In 2026, fans are once again pinning their hopes on his spectacular performances and podium battles, despite all the technical difficulties the team is facing.
