P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Shrewd Horner decision could prove detrimental to Aston Martin
Former Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner’s decision may have dealt a blow to Aston Martin’s prospects for the 2026 season, as suggested by recent comments from former F1 driver Ivan Capelli.
During his final days at Red Bull, Horner reportedly made strategic moves to poach power unit personnel from Aston Martin’s new partner Honda, a move that may have impacted Aston Martin’s current struggles.
Despite speculation linking Horner to a potential role at Aston Martin, it is his former colleague Adrian Newey who now holds the team principal position, with Aston Martin facing challenges during the pre-season testing in Bahrain.
Aston Martin encountered issues with their new Honda power unit, with driver Lance Stroll managing only six untimed laps on Friday and expressing concerns about the team’s performance compared to the grid leaders.
Capelli credited Horner for convincing Honda engineers to join the Red Bull Powertrains project, a move that may have contributed to Red Bull’s strong testing performance and Aston Martin’s difficulties.
It appears that Red Bull’s early planning and recruitment efforts following Honda’s departure from F1 in 2021 positioned them well for success, while Aston Martin and Honda are dealing with the aftermath of this shift in the competitive landscape.
