Improved Aston Martin 'chassis' is on the way - de la Rosa

      Adrian Newey has finally spoken out in Monaco regarding Aston Martin’s challenging beginning to 2026, affirming that a significant upgrade package is in the pipeline.

      The Monaco Grand Prix marked Newey's return to a race weekend for the first time since Melbourne, putting an end to weeks of speculation about his absence, which ranged from health worries to the idea that Aston Martin wished to keep its new team principal out of the limelight during the team's difficulties.

      In contrast, the design icon conveyed a straightforward message. "I’ve been focusing on enhancing the car and an upgrade that we’re likely to have ready just before the summer break," Newey stated.

      His remarks correspond with recent signals that both Aston Martin and Honda might be gearing up for considerable mid-season upgrades. Honda’s Shintaro Orihara recently hinted that an ADUO-supported power unit upgrade could be available sometime over the summer, while Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa mentioned that the team is preparing to implement changes in various areas.

      "We’ve been experiencing significant challenges as a team, not just the drivers but also the mechanics and engineers," de la Rosa expressed at Barcelona’s F1 Fan Village. "However, we’re working tirelessly, and this situation won’t persist for much longer. We plan to introduce numerous changes starting in the summer."

      De la Rosa indicated that the issues extend well beyond Honda's underpowered engine. "We need enhancements in every aspect," he acknowledged. "We were anticipated to deliver satisfactory results, but that hasn’t occurred, and now we need to improve in virtually every area. It’s not solely about the engine; our car struggles with both high-speed and low-speed corners. There’s nothing particularly unexpected about this; it simply necessitates a redesign of the chassis."

      Newey disclosed that Aston Martin opted not to follow the route taken by many competitors who have been rolling out a series of small upgrades since Melbourne. "It’s a long, challenging process for them, obviously," he said regarding drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. "Following Melbourne, we decided that rather than implementing piecemeal updates, we’d take our time to establish systems and conduct our research more thoroughly. Everything was rushed when we prepared the car for Melbourne. We agreed to endure the short-term discomfort with the hope of making a significant advancement when we eventually do it."

      Spanish journalist Jesus Balseiro characterized the struggling AMR26 as "a stain on Newey’s record," likening Aston Martin’s initial Newey-era car to McLaren’s radical MP4-18 design from 2003, which never made it to a grand prix.

      For Alonso, however, the ongoing conversation about upcoming upgrades is becoming wearisome. "We have the assurance that comes from doing good work, even if it’s not yet apparent," the Spaniard remarked. "But until it becomes visible, it’s better not to discuss it." He further commented, "The development strategy is clear. Upgrades will come during the summer or the break, although we’re uncertain about the timing. There are numerous significant improvements anticipated, but we need to optimize them and stay composed."

      De la Rosa also expressed support for Honda as the Japanese manufacturer seeks to recover from its difficult start in the new regulations era. "We’re pleased with their approach and how they have addressed the vibration issues," he noted. "Ultimately, this is Formula 1, and it’s all about physics—we expect more grip and power. It’s not complex, but achieving it is."