Mike Krack suggests Adrian Newey’s aero package is part of Aston Martin’s struggle. Mike Krack explains why Aston Martin’s struggles in 2026 aren’t just about Honda’s engine.

Mike Krack has discussed Aston Martin’s ongoing issues and how the “new” engine will impact the performance of Adrian Newey’s team, stressing that Honda is not solely to blame.

Fernando Alonso’s retirement due to “discomfort” in China perfectly illustrates the current situation at Aston Martin. Honda has still not found an effective solution to the vibrations caused by the power unit, a problem that makes it practically impossible for the drivers to complete the necessary number of laps on track.

Is Newey also under scrutiny?

But will fixing the Power Unit alone allow the Aston Martin AMR26 to compete for top positions? The team, led by Adrian Newey, showed up at the Barcelona shakedown with a chassis and aerodynamic package that left everyone astonished for how extreme and sophisticated they were. However, the choices made by the British genius may not be enough and could conceal significant performance limitations.

After the China GP, Mike Krack provided a clear picture of the team’s current situation. “The vibrations have a decisive impact on reliability. We need to raise the bar in several areas, but we are not talking about losing seconds. In some setups we are more cautious, but we are not losing much in terms of performance,” said Aston Martin’s Chief Trackside Officer.

His words confirm that the “green car’s” problems are not only due to Honda’s Power Unit difficulties. Adrian Newey’s extreme design choices could themselves limit performance, preventing Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll from consistently fighting for top positions, even if the engine eventually reaches the expected level.

The upcoming rounds in Japan and Miami will therefore be a true test of whether the Silverstone-based team can refine this extreme project. If the core issues lie within the chassis’s interaction with the new 2026 power units, Aston Martin may face a transitional year rather than the title charge fans were hoping for. For now, the focus remains on stabilization before they can truly unlock the “Newey magic.”