Aston Martin chief trackside officer Mike Krack stated there are no issues between the team and engine supplier Honda despite a troubled start to the 2026 Formula 1 season. The team marked its first official race finish with Fernando Alonso at the Japanese Grand Prix, though far from the points. Krack highlighted mutual respect amid reliability challenges.
Aston Martin entered 2026 with a new works partnership with Honda, replacing customer Mercedes engines, as part of owner Lawrence Stroll's push to elevate the team. However, the Adrian Newey-designed AMR26 has suffered from poor performance and reliability, including Honda engine vibrations that damaged batteries and raised driver health concerns. At Suzuka, Honda's home race, Stroll shook hands with Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe on the grid, prompting questions about team relations. Krack laughed off suggestions of needed reconciliation, saying, “There was no need to make peace, because we have a good relationship.” He praised Honda's efforts on the issues and noted ongoing discussions for improvements. Aston Martin finally completed a full race distance with Alonso finishing 18th, 30 seconds behind Sergio Perez in 17th and 70 seconds from points. “As a team, you cannot destroy yourself,” Krack said, urging focus on positives like recent race finishes after limited testing laps since January. The team now eyes performance gains during the break, acknowledging a “big mountain to climb.” Separately, Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle endorsed rumors of Jonathan Wheatley joining from Audi, calling it a “smart move” given his ties to Newey, but warned Aston Martin against further management upheaval amid its “revolving door.” Audi announced Wheatley's departure on March 20 for personal reasons.
