P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ralf Schumacher has delivered a brutal appraisal of the issues plaguing Aston Martin ahead of the new F1 season.
Ralf Schumacher criticized Aston Martin’s early struggles in the 2026 F1 season, calling it a “big disaster” before the Australian Grand Prix. The team’s high expectations were dashed despite moving to a new factory, partnering with Honda, and involving design guru Adrian Newey.
Schumacher, a former F1 winner, expressed shock over the team’s difficulties in pre-season testing in Barcelona and Bahrain. Delays, reliability issues, and lack of pace plagued drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.
The reliance on Honda’s successful hybrid era experience backfired as Aston Martin faced challenges with the electrical aspects of the new power unit under revised regulations. Warning signs, including concerns from Adrian Newey, were evident even before testing commenced.
Schumacher doubted if Aston Martin could even finish races early in the season, given the significant issues that need urgent resolution.
