Despite an anonymous result in Japan, the British team finally glimpses a ray of hope after a chaotic start to the season.
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Aston Martin experienced a symbolic moment at Suzuka. For the first time in the 2026 F1 season, one of its cars managed to see the finish of a Grand Prix.
It was Fernando Alonso who ended this dark streak by reaching the finish, albeit in a modest 18th place. His teammate Lance Stroll did not have the same success, forced to retire due to a water pressure problem.
A result far from glorious, but one that represents a major step forward for a team in great difficulty since the beginning of the year.
Technical problems finally under control
Even before the season launch, Adrian Newey had sounded the alarm. The strong vibrations related to the Honda power unit simply prevented the drivers from completing a full race distance.
After several weeks of intensive work and technical adjustments, the team finally found solutions allowing the car to stabilize. This progress materialized in Japan, where Alonso was able to go the distance without encountering any major problems, a first since winter testing.
Despite this small step forward, the atmosphere remains tense within the team. Mike Krack, trackside head, however, refuses to give in to panic.
“The atmosphere in the team is not one of celebration, that’s clear. But when you think back to Melbourne, we were talking about doing six laps… he explains. Today, we managed to finish a race with one car, it’s a small step”
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He insists on the need to keep a cool head: “We cannot self-destruct. We are in a difficult situation, but we must focus on the positive”
A long and progressive reconstruction
At Aston Martin, no one is under any illusions: this first objective achieved is only a beginning. The team is still far from the level expected in Formula 1.
“Finishing a race should be normal, not something to celebrate, Krack reminds. But that is the current reality, and we must accept it to move forward”
Work therefore continues at all levels, whether on track, at the Silverstone factory or at Sakura for the engine side. In such a complicated context, the priority is now clear: rebuild step by step without giving in to frustration.
Aston Martin is betting on a methodical progression to get out of this negative spiral. And even if the results are not yet there, this first checkered flag could well mark the beginning of a recovery.
One thing is certain: in this ruthless 2026 season, every detail counts… and every small bit of progress too.