Aston Martin announces postponement of F1 testing as Adrian Newey era begins slowly.
Aston Martin’s preparedness for the upcoming Formula 1 season has been questioned following the team’s announcement that it will not participate in the initial phase of the sport’s first preseason test.
The F1 private test is scheduled for five days at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya from January 26-29, with regulations permitting each team to utilize a maximum of three days.
This private test was organized to enable teams to evaluate cars that are significantly altered under F1’s updated 2026 regulations, which include substantial modifications to both the aerodynamic and engine aspects of the vehicles, prior to two official tests in Bahrain in February.
Seven of F1’s 11 teams, including the newly introduced Cadillac, were on the track on Monday, while Ferrari and McLaren have already announced their plans to commence their own testing programs on Tuesday.
Aston Martin was notably absent. Williams had previously confirmed they would forgo the entire test due to delays in their car development for the new season.
In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, Aston Martin remarked: “The AMR26 will be in Barcelona later this week for its shakedown. Our intention is to run Thursday and Friday.”
The Aston Martin initiative was always expected to attract significant attention this preseason, with owner Lawrence Stroll aiming for this regulatory cycle to position the team as championship contenders.
The Canadian billionaire has made substantial investments in the new regulations, constructing a cutting-edge factory at Silverstone, securing an exclusive partnership with engine supplier Honda, and enlisting design icon Adrian Newey to lead the project, which features two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.
The delayed start may prompt early concerns regarding the team’s readiness for the new regulations.
Sources had indicated to ESPN that the team was targeting a Wednesday start, which would allow them to fulfill the three required days, but the statement implies a more cautious strategy is being adopted.
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Despite the significant investment in the new regulations, insiders have informed ESPN that the team’s integration with the Honda engine is anticipated to pose challenges initially.
Missing time during the opening test is not entirely detrimental, as two official tests will take place in Bahrain in February under more favorable and productive weather conditions compared to Spain in January.
Nevertheless, any delays at this stage could result in a team lagging behind competitors in terms of mileage, which is currently more critical than outright lap times.
Following the six days of testing in Bahrain, F1’s 24-race season will commence with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.
Source: espn.com
