Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Aston Martin has rejected suggestions that the geographical distance to engine partner Honda is contributing to its difficult start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The partnership between Aston Martin and Honda began this year under the new technical regulations, with Honda returning as a power unit supplier. However, early performance has exposed multiple issues, including significant engine vibrations affecting driver comfort and ongoing reliability concerns that have limited competitiveness.
Combined with an underperforming chassis, these factors have left Aston Martin struggling towards the rear of the grid in the opening rounds. The situation prompted speculation that the approximately 9,000-kilometre distance between the team’s Silverstone base and Honda’s Sakura facility could be hindering effective technical collaboration.
Team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa dismissed that theory, stressing that successful partnerships in Formula 1 have historically operated across similar distances.
“Many of our people are working closely with Honda. Ideally, they would be in Silverstone, closer to us, but they are in Japan—and it has worked in the past,” de la Rosa told Sky F1.
He referenced Honda’s previous success with Red Bull Racing, where the Japanese manufacturer secured multiple world championships while operating from its Sakura base.
“They are world champions. They won four titles working from Sakura, so I don’t think we need to look at those details to explain why we are not competitive,” he added.
De la Rosa emphasized that the focus remains on strengthening technical integration and allowing sufficient time for the partnership to mature under the new regulations.
“We just have to make sure we give Honda the time needed, support them fully, and work as one team. That is the process we are in,” he explained.
With the 2026 regulations still in an early development phase, Aston Martin is prioritizing medium-term progress, aiming to resolve its technical shortcomings through continued collaboration with Honda. The coming races will be critical in assessing whether the partnership can translate its development efforts into improved on-track performance as the season evolves.
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