By Ben Langley
Can Aston Martin challenge at the top in 2026?
As Formula 1 looks ahead to a new era that has brought radical changes to engine and aerodynamic regulations, one team keen to impress in 2026 is Aston Martin. All the eyes within the Silverstone-based outfit will be on Adrian Newey, who will begin his first season as team principal.
Newey is one of the sport’s greatest innovators and has been the key figure in designing cars that has dominated previous eras of the sport. He joined Red Bull as Chief Technical Officer in 2006 after departing McLaren. He was part of the technical team that designed Red Bull’s first drivers and constructors championship-winning car driven by Sebastian Vettel in 2010. Three more drivers and constructors titles would follow in a period of dominance for the team. Newey also designed Max Verstappen’s first title-winning car in 2021 before creating the dominating Red Bull car at the beginning of the ground effect era that saw Verstappen add three more titles. However, Newey joined Aston Martin in 2025 and there is much intrigue of what his innovative mind can add to Aston Martin’s chances heading into a new set of regulations.
Aston Martin switch from Mercedes to Honda engines this season, the only team to use the Japanese power units after Red Bull’s switch to Ford Powertrains. Much emphasis of the cars will rely on the quality of the power unit, but with Honda powering the drivers champion between 2021 and 2024, then why can’t they produce an engine to give Aston Martin a chance to challenge for the title.
Owner Lawrence Stroll has invested significantly in his personnel and facility assets to prepare the team to challenge for both championships. Their driver lineup is unchanged heading into the new season, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll taking the seats. Alonso, who turns 45 this year, shows no signs of his ability dropping due to his age, as he continues to have the upper hand over his teammate. If the Aston Martin car does deliver in 2026, it would make for an incredible story if Alonso can fight at the top once again. The pressure will be on Stroll heading into 2026, as he must show more in his performance, particularly in qualifying after being whitewashed by Alonso last season.
It will be difficult to tell how well the new Aston Martin-Honda relationship will look until Formula 1 arrives for the season opener in Melbourne. However, there is much optimism around the team in green that could see them emerge as a dark horse to challenge this season.
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