Honda reacts to difficulties with Aston Martin after failing to reach targeted mileage

Honda-powered Aston Martin has endured a difficult pre-season ahead of the 2026 campaign.

The Japanese manufacturer's Trackside General Manager and Chief Engineer, Shintaro Orihara, addressed the situation the team found itself in.

After causing two red flags on Thursday, Aston Martin completed the fewest laps this week at the Bahrain International Circuit. On Friday, Lance Stroll could do a total of six laps, and did not set a lap time.

"Our main target during this week’s test was to build up mileage on the power unit, check the engine reliability and gather data. We collected data successfully; however, we didn’t achieve the accumulated mileage that we were targeting," Orihara began.

"On Thursday, we identified an issue in the power unit, and all of us have been uniting efforts to find a solution during our last day of testing. Overnight and today (Friday), HRC Sakura, the AMRTC in Silverstone and our crews in Bahrain worked together on a limited run plan, which was jointly agreed considering a shortage of parts."

Photo: Race Pictures

Honda admits dissatisfaction with performance

Orihara added: "It has been an enduring week, but we extend our thanks to the team for their support trackside and everyone working in Japan and the UK remotely.

"Overall, we are not happy with our performance and our reliability at the moment. However, we are all looking for solutions together in Sakura, Milton Keynes and Silverstone."

Aston Martin team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa also explained that the team relies on its state-of-the-art Silverstone campus and some of the brightest minds within the team to turn things around as soon as possible.

Read also

Wolff warns what Formula 1 must not become amid engine 'trick' saga

'Bagnaia signs for Aprilia from 2027 onwards'

Ferrari brush aside lap time hype as real Bahrain test priority comes to light

McLaren boss singles out the 'teams to beat' in candid pecking order verdict