Adrian Newey has stressed that Aston Martin and Honda must focus on their F1 future together after admitting the Japanese manufacturer has been disappointed by its lack of progress this season.
The two companies joined forces as works partners for 2026, but their first campaign together has fallen far short of expectations, with Honda's power unit struggling for both performance and reliability.
Severe vibrations and battery failures disrupted pre-season preparations and the opening races, leaving Aston Martin short of mileage as it attempted to develop its new car.
Despite subsequent improvements, the Japanese marque has been unable to close the performance deficit to its rivals as quickly as hoped.
"I think it's fair to say that Honda have probably been a little bit disappointed with how much progress they have managed to make this year," Newey told media, including RacingNews365.
"But as always, or as is so often the case in that situation, it only strengthens resolve to go forward in the future."
[Article continues below]
The 'important bit' for Aston Martin and Honda
Aston Martin sits P10 in the constructors' standings on just seven points after 20 rounds, ahead only of newcomer Cadillac.
All seven have been scored by Fernando Alonso, who finished P10 in Monaco, ninth in the Netherlands and eighth at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Team-mate Lance Stroll remains without a point.
Honda has introduced engine and turbo upgrades during the campaign, as part of the FIA's additional development and upgrade opportunities (ADUO) programme, but those have not delivered the breakthrough needed to lift Aston Martin into regular points contention.
Nevertheless, Newey believes the foundations are being put in place for a stronger future, although he acknowledged that a turnaround would take time.
"I think the future is obviously the important bit for both companies," Newey added. "As I've mentioned before, they are very determined.
"These things don't change overnight, but they have a lot of good people and a lot of good processes now in place."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Samuel Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil! Max Verstappen’s simply staggering recovery from 21st on the grid is a key talking point, as is Ferrari’s current power unit struggles.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Most read
In this article
Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.
Download the F1 calendar Download the F1 calendar
A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
Click here to download it..
Join the conversation!