So far in the 2026 Formula 1 season, Aston Martin have experienced a nightmare start. Their new Honda-powered AMR26, also the first car influenced by Adrian Newey, has failed to deliver at all, raising serious concerns within the team after two disastrous race weekends. Reports claim, the British manufacturer are looking for a new boss, but the ex-Red Bull principal Christian Horner is ‘not an option.’
The problems in Astons appeared at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix itself, where both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were forced to retire due to severe power unit issues. The car suffered from extreme vibrations, limiting running and even raising fears of potential nerve damage for the drivers after extended laps.
Feeling your support.
Thank you. #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/NTBQi3ReDW
— Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 14, 2026
Honda supplied multiple battery units in Melbourne, but failures left the team with only two that were already inside the car on track. The situation did not improve in China, where Alonso and Stroll finished 17th and 18th respectively, again struggling with the same vibration issues.
“On lap 20 to 35, I was struggling a bit to feel my hands and my feet,” the Spaniard told reporters. “We were one lap behind, we were last, and there was probably no point to keep going.”
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With just two weeks before the Japanese Grand Prix, reports suggest Aston Martin are already considering changes at the top. According to SoyMotor, the team is exploring options for a new boss. However, despite speculation, Adrian Newey is not expected to be sacked but could be moved into a different role.
Amid the search, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has reportedly been ruled out as a candidate. Responding to the rumors, an Aston Martin spokesperson told Express UK:
“Reports are speculation. Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team remains fully committed to Adrian Newey as Managing Technical Partner and Team Principal.”
Horner, who was dismissed by Red Bull Racing during the 2025 mid-season, has remained a high-profile figure in the paddock. His exit came during a difficult run for the team, though later in the Netflix docu-drama series it was revealed that that reigning champion Max Verstappen and his father was not involved in the decision.
