Get ready for an exciting season as we dive into the world of Aston Martin, one of the most anticipated teams in the 2026 F1 season. With a rich history and a bold vision, Aston Martin is poised to make waves in the racing world. But here's where it gets controversial... Will they live up to the hype and become the next super team, or will they struggle to keep up with the front-runners? Let's find out!
Drivers for 2026
Fernando Alonso (#14): A two-time World Champion, 32 wins, 106 podiums, 22 pole positions, 2393 points, and 425 starts. Alonso is the most experienced driver on the grid at 44 years old. He made a triumphant return to F1 in 2021 after a two-year hiatus, impressing with six podium finishes in the first eight races for Aston Martin in 2023.
Lance Stroll (#18): An experienced operator in his eighth season with the team, Stroll has 325 points and 189 starts. He joined the team under its previous Racing Point guise in 2019, two years after his F1 debut with Williams.
2025 Season Review
Aston Martin finished seventh in the 2025 Teams' Championship, a disappointing result after falling two places from the previous two campaigns. While Alonso struggled at the start, scoring his first point in Round 9, Stroll began the year strongly, taking sixth in the Australian Grand Prix. However, Aston Martin's performance dipped, and they failed to match the success of their rivals.
History
Aston Martin's F1 journey began in 1959 and 1960, but they didn't score a point under the then-used system. They returned to the sport in 2016-2020 as a sponsor for Red Bull Racing. The current F1 entry traces its roots back to Jordan Grand Prix, which made its debut in 1991. The team gave Michael Schumacher his F1 debut and competed fiercely.
In 2005, the team's founder, Eddie Jordan, sold the team to the Midland Group after a decline in performance and finances. The team went through several ownership changes, eventually becoming Racing Point in 2018. Lance Stroll's purchase of a stake in Aston Martin led to the team's rebranding as Aston Martin in 2021.
Greatest Achievement
So far, Aston Martin's greatest achievement is their stunning start in 2023 with Alonso. The Spaniard reached the podium in six of the opening eight races and nearly won in changeable weather conditions in Monaco. However, mid-season updates failed to deliver the expected results.
One Key Goal for 2026
For 2026, Aston Martin aims to prove their worth after a period of change, investment, and partnerships. The team has set its sights on becoming F1's next super team, fighting towards the front and aiming for wins. With Adrian Newey's design genius and Honda's power unit, Aston Martin is ready to make a statement and challenge for championships.
Newey's Design and Team Principal Role
Adrian Newey, the famed F1 designer, joined Aston Martin in March 2025 as Managing Technical Partner. His first creation, the AMR26, impressed Mercedes' George Russell, who called it 'pretty spectacular.' However, Newey is also taking on the role of Aston Martin Team Principal for the first time in 2026, which may dilute his design focus. Time will tell if he can successfully juggle both roles.
Honda Partnership
Aston Martin has become Honda's exclusive power unit supplier, following a successful partnership with Red Bull. The team is hoping for similar success with Honda, coupled with the incredible investment in their Silverstone facility. With these factors in play, Aston Martin is ready to take on the challenge of becoming a top team in F1.
The Final Word
As the 2026 F1 season approaches, Aston Martin is poised to make a statement. With a strong driver lineup, a talented design team, and a powerful partnership with Honda, they are ready to challenge for championships. Will they live up to the hype and become the next super team? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Aston Martin is ready to make its mark in the racing world.