(Motorsport-Total.com) – Aston Martin’s difficult start to the 2026 Formula 1 season is causing discussions in the paddock. Especially the problems with the new Honda power unit could have long-term consequences for the team. Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard is convinced that Aston Martin and Honda will recover – however, the road there could be expensive.
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Coulthard points to the budget cap as a decisive factor. If Honda wants to improve the engine quickly, the cost limit could become a problem. “They will come back,” says Coulthard on the podcast Up To Speed. “But with massive penalties because they will have to go over the budget cap to develop this engine.”
The Scot recalls Honda’s difficult past in Formula 1. “The last time we had such problems was when Honda supplied McLaren with engines – and that relationship famously didn’t end well.” Back then, the crisis ultimately led to a successful partnership with Red Bull.
Coulthard: Last chance for Alonso
The future of the drivers at Aston Martin is also already being discussed. Coulthard believes that Fernando Alonso must focus on his own performance despite the difficult situation. “As a driver, you have to focus on your job,” he says. “You don’t develop the engine or the car.”
At the same time, Coulthard sees the Spaniard at the end of his career. “This is the last chance saloon for Fernando Alonso,” he explains. “If his Aston Martin time is over, he won’t be going to Ferrari or Red Bull.” Looking at Alonso’s age, Coulthard is clear: “He is 45 years old. As brilliant as he is – this is the last or second to last year of his career.”
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Stroll likely to stay at Aston Martin
For Lance Stroll, the situation is different according to Coulthard. The Canadian is unlikely to have the opportunity to move to another team. “What is he going to say? That he wants to drive for another team?” asks Coulthard. “Firstly: who would take him? And secondly, he won’t say that.”
In his opinion, Stroll will simply keep driving until Aston Martin builds a competitive car. Coulthard’s podcast colleague Naomi Schiff believes that team owner Lawrence Stroll in particular is likely to be increasingly frustrated.
“They have invested an incredible amount of money in this team,” she says. New factories, a modern wind tunnel, and numerous top engineers were supposed to bring Aston Martin to the top. Also the transfer of star designer Adrian Newey was celebrated as a major coup.
The disappointment is all the greater now. “Then you come to the start of the season with an engine that simply doesn’t work,” says Schiff.
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