Former F1 champion David Coulthard has warned that Aston Martin’s 2026 effort is still at a nadir, yet he cites the McLaren case as evidence the team can recover.
Veteran’s warning from the Up To Speed podcast
Coulthard, speaking ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, explained that the Silverstone outfit’s recent after‑season performance—three points and a 10th‑place constructor’s standing—continues to fall short of expectations set by their Honda power‑unit partnership and Adrian Newey’s first design. He described the season’s struggles as “rock bottom,” drawing a parallel with McLaren’s low point three seasons ago before they captured back‑to‑back titles in 2024 and 2025.
2026 season issues and limited points haul
Early in the calendar, engineers battled with major car and engine faults, delaying the introduction of a B‑spec chassis until the Hungarian Grand Prix and engine upgrades at the Dutch race. The only points came from two‑time champion Fernando Alonso, who secured a P9 finish on the Dutch grid despite six DNFs—an outcome that drew cautious praise from drivers and reporters alike.
Signs of progress and outlook for Monza
Naomi Schiff, co‑host of the same podcast, called the team’s evolution “a process of learning.” She noted lead‑up Saturday at Zandvoort was a sprint weekend that offered limited upgrade opportunities, yet highlighted incremental improvements in downshifts and engine drivability. She expects further tweaks in Monza that will translate into stronger performance, reflecting the “momentum change” Coulthard mentioned. While early setbacks were bleak, the panel agreed the team’s trajectory is raising hope for a return to competitiveness.
"