Fernando Alonso has focused on a key problem during the 2026 preseason tests. The Aston Martin driver points out that the lack of regularity of the new AMR26 prevents progress. Each stint is affected by small technical setbacks, which makes it difficult to complete the testing program and understand the real behavior of the car.
The loss of key days and its impact on setup ⏳
Alonso points out that the team lost essential testing days in Barcelona, a setback that weighs down the process. Without clean and consistent laps, the engineers cannot collect reliable data to adjust parameters such as aerodynamic balance, suspension, or tire management. This situation slows down the optimization of the package and widens the gap with rivals, who are accumulating productive kilometers.
Patch here, patch there operation 🔧
It seems that Aston Martin's development strategy this year is based on a sophisticated method of continuous trial and error. Every time the car hits the track, it's a surprise: sometimes it brakes, sometimes it accelerates, and occasionally, it simply decides to take a technical break. Alonso must feel like a high-level beta tester, where his feedback is the car doesn't go and the solution is try again tomorrow. A plan with questionable effectiveness.