P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Aston Martin expects its new Honda-powered F1 car to join the Barcelona test on the fourth day at the earliest – meaning it isn’t set to use all three available days
Aston Martin will join the first Formula 1 test at Barcelona late and will not maximize the permitted three days of running with its 2026 car. The AMR26 is the first Aston Martin designed under the watch of Adrian Newey, the team’s high-profile recruit from Red Bull as managing technical partner. Newey has also taken on the role of team principal following an internal shake-up in late 2025. Expectations are high due to his arrival and a new works engine partnership with Honda, for the team led by Lawrence Stroll. Aston Martin plans to run on Thursday and Friday at the test, which began on Monday and allows teams to run on three of the five days. Ferrari and McLaren are expected to join on Tuesday, with McLaren possibly delaying until Wednesday. Williams has suffered delays in the build of its new car, the FW48, and will miss the test. The reason for Aston Martin’s delayed arrival in Barcelona has not been disclosed, but speculation online suggests possible issues with car weight and engine partner Honda. Newey is known for setting design deadlines aggressively.
