Aston Martin faces difficulties both on and off the track in F1.

      Both on and off the track, there are some gloomy expressions among those in green uniforms at Aston Martin. The team is using the foundation of last year's car for 2025, with Fernando Alonso candidly stating that the outcomes of the 24 upcoming grands prix are far less significant than the entirely new project for 2026.

      "If you are contending for the world championship in 2025, that changes the narrative," he mentioned to Spanish reporters as the Bahrain test concluded. "However, if that's not the case, being in a fluctuating position doesn’t affect much. Because if that has repercussions for 2026, it will be quite painful."

      Aston Martin received unfortunate news from the Bahrain test, which did not perform well - in terms of both the number of laps completed and the pace in one-lap or long-run scenarios. "I think our drivers provided some positive feedback," team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa told Marca sports newspaper, "but they also pointed out areas needing improvement.

      "Am I optimistic? I prefer to think of myself as realistic, and I believe it’s going to require significant effort and thorough analysis to make progress. I hope to see results this year, but we must face reality, wouldn’t you agree?"

      Off the track, Aston Martin is encountering challenges as well – although a positive note is that Adrian Newey finally began his work at the Silverstone headquarters on Monday. However, the arrival of new chief technical officer Enrico Cardile was also supposed to occur on March 3, but Ferrari is delaying the transition by insisting Cardile spend more time on 'gardening leave.'

      "The gardening leave agreement had been established," states Corriere dello Sport newspaper, "but everything has unraveled again in the past month. We believe that Cardile’s arrival alongside Newey is unlikely before July 17 - a year after Ferrari announced his exit. This has left owner Lawrence Stroll enraged.

      "The green team had planned its technical reorganization, designating Cardile to oversee the architecture, design, and construction of the new car. Thus, a vital figure is impeded at a critical juncture," the Italian report further noted.