Aston Martin is confident that its 2026 Formula 1 car has untapped potential that goes beyond what the current results show. Team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa has even suggested that the chassis could be among the fifth-fastest on certain tracks. This comes during a challenging season where the team has faced issues with engine performance, reliability, and handling. So far, Aston Martin has managed to score just one point, but insiders believe that the car’s true speed is being masked by several problems that extend beyond just the chassis. The team is now looking forward to a significant upgrade package later this season, hoping it will boost performance and shift the momentum of their Formula 1 campaign.
This optimism stands in stark contrast to their recent performance. Aston Martin’s only point came in Monaco, thanks to post-race penalties that shuffled the standings. Throughout the season, both drivers have often found themselves at the back of the pack. De la Rosa notes that performance can vary greatly from one track to another, making it tough to accurately assess the car’s competitiveness. Nevertheless, the team is adamant that they know where improvements are necessary.
Monaco Exposes Chassis Concerns
Monaco dealt another blow to Aston Martin. The team had hoped that the tight, slow-speed street circuit would help mitigate the issues caused by their underpowered Honda engine. Unfortunately, it revealed a significant balance issue instead. The drivers faced a tough time with pronounced mid-corner understeer, especially in the slower sections, making it hard to rotate the car and position it accurately through the turns.
De la Rosa said: “I think some circuits we could be fifth-fastest, some others we could be much further down. Whatever position we are in, it’s a position we’re not happy with. We just have to be patient, because we know that interesting things are coming.”
Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll qualified near the back, while Alonso later described Monaco as proof that the team’s chassis still has significant shortcomings. However, Aston Martin believes the issue may be specific to Monaco’s unique characteristics and does not expect the same level of understeer elsewhere.
Aston Martin Team Counting on Major Upgrade
Aston Martin has been facing a range of challenges that go beyond just the chassis. Alonso has pointed out that each circuit has revealed different weaknesses. For instance, Australia showed a lack of engine performance, while China brought to light some limitations in energy deployment. In Miami, there were concerns about the gearbox, and then Monaco highlighted issues with chassis balance.
Explaining the problem, de la Rosa said: “We found a very severe mid-corner understeer in the low-speed corners. The car has remained very difficult to really change the direction in the car, and also make it point in the right direction in the low-speed corners.”
Despite the setbacks, the team remains confident. A major upgrade package, planned alongside Honda’s engine improvements, is expected later in the year. Aston Martin hopes the combined changes will deliver more grip, more power and a significant step forward in competitiveness.
