David Coulthard foresees Aston Martin taking the lead in Formula 1’s evolution after they battle a crash‑start in the current season.
Podcast Forecast
On the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard and co‑host Jolie Sharpe debated the April‑June downturn, and the former driver declared, “they will be the biggest improving team over the next two years.”
He added, “I’ll predict they’ll win Grand Prix in the next two years.”
Season Reality
Despite Adrian Newey unchanged design, Fernando Alonso’s racing, a new Honda works power unit, a modern wind tunnel and Lawrence Stroll’s relentless backing, Aston Martin runs 10th in the constructors’ championship, linked to a single point earned at the Monaco Open.
Mid‑Season Gains
Announcement of a hefty upgrade package before the Hungarian event lifted the car’s performance, yielding 13th for Lance Stroll and 14th for Alonso, though no points materialised.
Stroll said during post‑race briefings, “we took a huge step this weekend” and added, “we’re not in front of the midfield but in the mix.” He noted a need for higher power, more downforce and continuous push.
If the trajectory keeps its current slope, Aston Martin’s dedicated development crew may undercut their rivals in the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027, positioning the Silverstone‑based outfit firmly in front of a front‑row challenge.
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