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Aston Martin Adds Reliability Upgrades, Still Last in Standings

5/1/2026

37 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Aston Martin Upgrades

Honda and Aston Martin will fit upgrades on the AMR26 before the Miami race.
The upgrades were dyno-tested at Sakura and cut the engine vibrations that forced Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll to retire in China.
The upgrades will not raise power at Miami but should improve reliability, keep AMR26 10 kg over the 768 kg minimum, leave Aston Martin last in the Constructors’ Championship, and see Alonso finish 18th at Suzuka.

Summary

Alonso Aims Longevity

Fernando Alonso, 44, said he hopes to stay in Formula 1 beyond 2026.
He told Monaco’s historic Grand Prix TV channel that quitting would be very hard.
Team principal Adrian Newey warned that AMR26 vibrations could cause permanent nerve damage.
2026 marks Aston Martin’s first season partnered with Japanese engine supplier Honda.
Honda’s Shintaro Orihara said Sakura testing focused on reducing vibration, not power-unit gains.

Summary

FIA Extends

The FIA extended Miami’s free-practice session from 60 to 90 minutes for the Sprint weekend.
Honda chief Shintaro Orihara said Aston Martin will prioritize drivability in slow-speed corners and power-unit temperature control.
He noted Miami is the first warm-weather race of 2026, making thermal management critical.
Koji Watanabe described Alonso’s finish in Japan as a milestone after the team’s early-season vibration issues.

History

Historical Context

After Honda bought the remaining 55 % of British American Racing in September 2005, the team raced as BAR-Honda in 2006, debuting the BAR 007 with a seamless-shift gearbox. The predecessor BAR 006 had earned 11 podiums and a pole in 2004, securing second in the Constructors’ Championship. This full-team takeover concluded a partnership that began in 1999.

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Aston Martin Upgrades

Honda and Aston Martin will fit upgrades on the AMR26 before the Miami race.
The upgrades were dyno-tested at Sakura and cut the engine vibrations that forced Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll to retire in China.
The upgrades will not raise power at Miami but should improve reliability, keep AMR26 10 kg over the 768 kg minimum, leave Aston Martin last in the Constructors’ Championship, and see Alonso finish 18th at Suzuka.

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