Aston Martin's F1 Pre-Season Nightmare: Engine Woes Cripple AMR26

Aston Martin's F1 Pre-Season Nightmare: Engine Woes Cripple AMR26

Hassan
Hassan
Published: Feb 28, 2026

Will Buxton argues Aston Martin “lost” Bahrain pre-season testing as Honda’s new engine left the team unable to properly judge the true potential of Adrian Newey’s first AMR26

Bahrain Bust: Aston Martin's Testing Tangle

F1 veteran and pundit Will Buxton didn't mince words, declaring Aston Martin had "lost testing" after their woeful performance in Bahrain. The Silverstone squad arrived with high expectations for the AMR26, a car marking a new era with **Adrian Newey's** input and a fresh **Honda** powertrain. However, the optimism quickly evaporated.

Driver Lance Stroll reportedly clocked the AMR26 a staggering **four seconds** off the pace, a gap that speaks volumes about the challenges faced. This isn't just a minor setback; it's a fundamental issue preventing the team from gathering crucial data ahead of the season opener.

The Honda Heartbreak: Engine Performance Under Scrutiny

The spotlight, perhaps unfairly, has fallen squarely on the new **Honda** engine. **Buxton** highlighted the engine as the