Adrian Newey/Aston Martin on Honda: “The Japanese are disappointed in themselves”

These figures are unrivalled: racing cars designed by Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey have won 26 world championship titles (14 Drivers’ Championships and 12 Constructors’ Championships) and 223 Grands Prix.

When Newey left Red Bull Racing to join Aston Martin, most Formula 1 insiders believed it was only a matter of time before the ‘Greens’ were competing at the front of the field. Especially as Honda had been secured as an exclusive partner for 2026.

And now this: Aston Martin-Honda is second from bottom in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship; only newcomer Cadillac is doing worse. Across 17 Grands Prix and 6 sprints, the Silverstone-based team has managed to scrape together a meagre seven championship points.

Speaking at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, Adrian Newey said: “I think it’s fair to say that Honda are probably disappointed themselves with the progress they’ve made this year.”

“But as is so often the case in this situation, the setbacks only strengthen the resolve to do better in future. The Honda team are very determined. But things don’t change overnight in Formula 1. Honda now has a lot of good people on board, and processes have been optimised.”

Topic of the week

Topic of the week: MotoGP’s new schedule proved highly controversial

In 2027, MotoGP will also enter the 850cc era with a new schedule. It was not so much the changes themselves as the way the decisions were reached that caused a stir. A prime example of: ‘Talking helps’.

Thomas Kuttruf

Read More

TV Program

Tomorrow

Austin: Das Rennen

FIA Formula One World Championship

25.10.2026 - 19:30

But where does Honda really stand? The 67-year-old Briton continues: “At the moment, Honda is lagging behind the position from which they began their journey with Red Bull in 2019. Back then, however, they were already four years behind in the premier class.”

“Honda is a great company. I have every confidence that they will now make rapid progress and gain a better understanding of the issues surrounding these specific PU regulations.”

Honda’s deficit compared to the other power units is obvious, but Newey is careful not to point the finger at the Japanese. “As for the deficit in the chassis and engine, it’s not for me to point that out. If people look at all the GPS data, they can get a much better picture.”

“For me, the key thing is that we’re making progress for 2027. Honda may still be in the early stages of development, but we’re seeing some really promising signs.”