Buxton Points to Lost Preparation Time as Aston Martin Struggles Out of the Gate in Bahrain
Aston Martin's challenging performance during Bahrain pre-season testing has raised questions about their preparation ahead of the 2026 campaign. Will Buxton has suggested the Silverstone-based team may have squandered valuable development time, with Lance Stroll's AMR26 proving uncompetitive during the opening test.
Aston Martin's arrival in Bahrain for the opening pre-season testing session did not go according to plan, with the team arriving at the circuit already facing significant pace deficit concerns. Will Buxton, the former Formula 1 television commentator, attributed the squad's struggles to what he characterized as a loss of crucial testing opportunities leading up to the new campaign.
The difficulties encountered by the Silverstone operation have cast an early shadow over their 2026 season ambitions. Lance Stroll, at the controls of the AMR26—the first Aston Martin grand prix machine to emerge from the technical vision of Adrian Newey and developed in partnership with Honda—reported notable performance issues during the Bahrain testing program.
The AMR26 marks a significant milestone for the British team as it represents their first vehicle constructed under Newey's guidance, raising expectations about the squad's competitiveness this season. However, the gap in performance witnessed during pre-season assessments suggests the team faces an uphill battle as the 2026 season draws closer.
Original source
Motorsport.com
Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article B11.2.7
TCC Opportunities
Chapter: B
In Simple Terms
Teams are limited to specific testing opportunities throughout the year: one private 5-day test and two public 3-day tests before the season starts, plus a 1-day test after the season ends. They can also do tire testing (up to 40 car days) and one 1-day substitute driver test. These rules prevent teams from gaining unfair advantages through excessive testing.
- Pre-season testing limited to one 5-day private test and two 3-day public tests
- Post-season testing restricted to one 1-day test only
- Out-of-competition tire testing capped at 40 car days maximum
- One additional 1-day test allowed for substitute drivers
Official FIA Text
TCC limited to pre-season private collective testing (one 5-day test), pre-season public collective testing (two 3-day tests), post-season test (one 1-day test), out-of-competition tyre testing (maximum 40 car days), and substitute driver test (one 1-day test).
Article B11.2
Provisions for TCC
Chapter: B
In Simple Terms
TCC (Testing of Current Cars) sessions on European tracks are limited to a maximum of 9 hours per day, running between 9 AM and 7 PM. Only current-season F1 cars can be used (except for special tire testing), and drivers without a super license must use cars with a blue-green rear light.
- TCC sessions on European circuits limited to maximum 9 hours daily between 09:00-19:00
- Only current F1 cars permitted, except during out-of-competition tire testing
- Non-super license drivers must use cars equipped with blue-green rear light
- TCC restricted to specific testing types: pre-season testing, post-season test, tire testing, and substitute driver tests
Official FIA Text
TCC running limited to maximum nine hours between 09:00 and 19:00 on European circuits. Only current cars permitted except for out-of-competition tyre testing. Cars driven by non-super licence holders must have blue-green rear light. TCC limited to pre-season private/public collective testing, post-season test, out-of-competition tyre testing, and substitute driver test.
Article B8.2.3
Additional Power Unit Units
Chapter: B8
In Simple Terms
In 2026, drivers get one extra Power Unit component for free if their engine manufacturer is brand new to F1 that season. This is a one-time allowance to help new manufacturers get up to speed without penalty concerns.
- New Power Unit manufacturers in 2026 get one additional allocation of each engine component
- This concession only applies to manufacturers in their first year of supplying F1 engines
- The extra unit applies to all Power Unit elements defined in Article B8.2.2
- This is a regulatory allowance, not a penalty relief measure
Official FIA Text
Each driver will be permitted to use an additional unit for each of the Power Unit elements in Article B8.2.2 in the 2026 Championship if the Power Unit is supplied by a PU Manufacturer in its first year of supplying Power Units.
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