Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso are hoping that the 2026 regulations, combined with the arrival of design legend Adrian Newey, will finally turn the team into genuine title contenders.
The Silverstone-based squad went all-in early on development for the 2026 F1 regulations, betting that next year’s major rule changes could level the playing field. This overhaul is unlike anything Formula 1 has seen before, with new engine, aerodynamic, chassis and tyre rules coming into effect.
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Aston Martin are also making a switch from Mercedes customer engines to becoming a factory team with Honda – who are leaving Red Bull to join Lawrence Stroll’s operation. As part of their ambitious push, Stroll has even given Newey a 5% share in Aston Martin as he takes on his new role as managing technical partner.
With Honda on board and Newey joining alongside sweeping changes across F1’s ruleset, there’s real hope that Aston Martin could be about to turn a corner. The team has never won an F1 race or championship in any form – but these moves signal they’re serious about changing that history.
Felipe Drugovich says Aston Martin’s 2026 car feels like a rocket
Alonso was responsible for eight of those nine podiums, all in 2023, but he hasn’t added to that total since. Now, the two-time champion is hoping the 2026 rule changes can put him back in the mix for another title.
Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin’s reserve driver, has already had some simulator time with the team’s 2026 car. He was impressed by the performance, especially with how much power it delivers out of corners thanks to Honda’s improved electric output.
Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Drugovich said: “The car pushes like crazy out of the corners. You feel like you’re sitting on a rocket. It’s really fun in the corners because the high electric component means there’s always power.”
The new rules call for a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, up from the current 20/80 setup. Many believe Mercedes will have an early edge when those changes come into play.
Felipe Drugovich notes sudden power loss with F1’s 2026 engine regulations
But while running the new car in the simulator, Drugovich also flagged a potential problem with the 2026 power unit rules. The 25-year-old pointed out that there’s a noticeable drop in power from the Honda unit during extended runs down the straights.
The Brazilian explained, as quoted by Total Motorsport: “The sudden drop in power in the second half of the straight takes some getting used to.”
This isn’t an entirely new concern. There have long been worries that the increased reliance on electrical power could leave drivers short on energy over longer sections of track. Places like Monza, with its long pit straight, have been highlighted as potential trouble spots.
The system is expected to deliver around 475hp from the battery and 575hp from the internal combustion engine. To address these concerns, active aerodynamics have been introduced for front wings under F1’s 2026 regulations.
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