Aston Martin set to face key F1 delay ahead of Barcelona pre-season test

Aston Martin is set to face a significantly disrupted start to 2026 F1 pre-season testing, with a delay to its programme in Barcelona, RacingNews365 understands.

Sources with direct knowledge of the situation have confirmed that the Silverstone-based team will not be in action during the first two days of the private behind-closed-doors test in Spain, and that their "most optimistic" scenario is to be on track on Wednesday, 28th January for the first time. 

It is understood that minor delays in several areas have contributed to the team missing the first two days of the five-day test. 

When contacted by RacingNews365, a team spokesperson stated that the team would be confirming its run plan for Barcelona at the start of the new week. 

It is understood that equipment and team personnel have already arrived in Barcelona ahead of the start of the test on Monday. 

Although the test is five days in total, each team will only be permitted to run for three days, in any order they choose, which, when combined with the two, three-day Bahain tests, means there is a total of nine days of testing on offer.

Earlier in the week, RacingNews365 revealed that Williams will skip the Barcelona test altogether with delays in passing the crash tests on its new FW48 machine. 

Aston Martin has long-targeted 2026 as its best chance to challenge for the F1 championships and race wins, with owner Lawrence Stroll embarking on a heavy-investment drive.

A brand-new state-of-the-art factory has been built at Silverstone, with a works Honda engine deal being secured for the new rules. 

The team also managed to lure Adrian Newey to spearhead the project as technical leader from Red Bull, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll continuing as the driver pairing, and is the most experienced line-up in F1 history with a combined 614 starts.