(Motorsport-Total.com) – Despite the difficult start to the new Formula 1 era in 2026, Aston Martin’s management remains calm. Mike Krack, the team principal of the Silverstone-based team, clarified after the Japanese Grand Prix that the relationship with new engine partner Honda is intact. “There are no problems,” the Luxembourger emphasized in light of speculation about internal team tensions.
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The switch from Mercedes customer engines to an exclusive partnership with Honda was considered the decisive step to realize Lawrence Stroll’s vision of a world championship title. So far, however, success has been elusive.
The AMR26, designed by Adrian Newey, struggles with both performance and reliability. In particular, strong vibrations from the Honda power unit, which damaged batteries and even triggered health concerns for the drivers, characterized the first weeks of the season.
At Honda’s home race in Suzuka, team owner Lawrence Stroll was observed shaking hands with HRC President Koji Watanabe. When asked if this was a sign of a “peace agreement in Honda-land,” Krack reacted with a laugh.
Conciliatory signals in Honda’s home
“There was no need to make peace because we have a good relationship,” he explained. “We knew this was our partner’s home race. We have great respect for Honda and have seen how much work has been invested in solving our problems.”
According to Krack, it was a matter of respect to try everything to finish the race. Communication between the Sakura and Silverstone sites is continuous. “We discussed this beforehand, just as we have been discussing it all week and will continue to discuss it next week. There is no reason for a reconciliation because there are simply no conflicts,” Krack continued.
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First finish for Fernando Alonso
The Grand Prix in Japan marked a small milestone for the project: Fernando Alonso saw the checkered flag for the first time this season. In sporting terms, however, the result remained sobering with 18th place. The Spaniard was 30 seconds behind Sergio Perez in the Cadillac and over a minute behind the points positions.
Krack urges patience and cohesion within the organization: “As a team, you shouldn’t tear itself apart. We are in a difficult situation and have to take the positives from the last three months.” Since the first tests in Barcelona at the end of January, the team has hardly been able to complete any laps. The fact that they are now reaching the finish line is actually the standard in Formula 1, but in the current situation, it is an important step.
A “big mountain” lies ahead of the team
Priorities are now shifting from reliability to speed. “Once the reliability issues are resolved, everyone focuses on performance,” Krack analyzes. “We have seen that we need to make big steps. They are no longer small steps like the ones we have just made with reliability. We have to use the break to take the first step, but it is a big mountain we have to climb.”
There is no celebratory mood in the Aston Martin camp despite reaching the finish. Nevertheless, according to Krack, some of the modest goals set for the weekend were achieved. Now the task is to gradually close the gap to the competition.
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