Pedro de la Rosa, Aston Martin Formula 1 Ambassador, believes that being transparent about the team's 2026 struggles has helped them 'surf the wave' of a challenging season. The former Arrows, Jaguar, and McLaren driver spoke exclusively to Motorsport Week, revealing how honesty became the foundation for recovery.
The 2026 season has indeed been tough for Aston Martin. Expectations dropped immediately after pre-season testing in Bahrain, when problems with the AMR26 were exposed. The Silverstone-based car struggled, especially with an underpowered Honda engine. However, the team's hard work and Honda's engine improvements are gradually paying off. Lap times have improved, and although still behind, the package is now much stronger than at the start of the season.
De la Rosa admitted that keeping team morale high is not easy. "It hasn't been easy," he said. "It's very easy when you have only good news to bring, when the team is doing well, when you're fighting for wins. It's quite difficult when things go the other way." He added that this season has been especially difficult because things didn't go their way. "We were not expecting to be that far back. So, sending that positive message is much more difficult, especially if you're not working within the organisation."
According to de la Rosa, Lance Stroll's honesty during the Bahrain test was the right approach. "Explaining to the outside world that we knew what was going on and that they had to remain calm was very difficult. I was there! But it would be a lot more difficult if you were not sure that you could turn it around," he explained. "In a way, we've surfed the wave pretty well, by being completely honest, very transparent, explaining from the very first test in Bahrain."
He recalled when Stroll bluntly said the team was far behind on engine, chassis, and everything. "He was really blunt. But I think that's the only way of improving," de la Rosa stressed. "Just explaining to the world our challenges ahead. It was not going to be easy. We took measures to come back stronger. Not as strong as we would like, but stronger. And we're still working on that."
This transparent approach seems to be paying off. Aston Martin is slowly showing improvement, though still far from where they want to be. With teamwork and Honda, they hope to continue improving performance. De la Rosa emphasised that honesty is the key to moving forward. "That's the only way of improving," he concluded.
Going forward, Aston Martin will keep fighting on track. With spirit and openness, they believe they can get through this difficult period. Fans also hope their beloved team can return to competing at the front. Pedro de la Rosa and the entire team will continue to work hard to make it happen.
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