P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Aston Martin and Honda have had nothing short of a disastrous start to 2026 with a Formula 1 pre-season beset by persistent technical problems, worryingly similar to McLaren in 2017
Aston Martin and Honda are experiencing a disastrous start to the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season due to persistent technical problems. The new partnership is reminiscent of Honda’s troubled past with McLaren in 2017. Honda’s engine is lacking in power and efficiency, facing issues across the internal combustion engine and battery. Aston Martin’s car faced delays in completion and restricted running during testing, while both teams lag behind rivals. The ongoing reliability problems in Bahrain have severely limited the teams’ ability to gather vital data and progress with the new car and engine rules. This cycle of technical issues is hindering both Honda and Aston Martin from maximizing their potential in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1.
