Aston Martin has admitted that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya’s unique nature could leave the team with “no place to hide” at this weekend’s Formula 1 Grand Prix there.
Aston Martin is continuing to endure a challenging 2026 season, as issues with the AMR26 and the Honda power unit continue to hold the team back.
Qualifying on the back row for Monaco, the Silverstone-based marque managed to secure a point in the principality, thanks to multiple retirements and penalties for their rivals, opening their account for the season.
But the Circuit threatens to be a very different experience, given the unique aerodynamic and power demands from the circuit.
Chief Trackside Officer Mike Krack did not hold back in his assessement of the challenges facing Aston Martin this weekend.
“On the paper for Barcelona, it will be tough. It will be very tough. In Barcelona, there is no place to hide,” he admitted to media on Thursday, including Motorsport Week.
“And after Barcelona, normally you know when you bring upgrades, you know where you are. Or after Barcelona, it is normally a reality check for your pace. We know that, we need to be aware of that.And we have to try and execute without any mistakes, try to get the maximum learning for it.
“I think for the drivers it will be the toughest. Because we know that Barcelona is very hard on your package.And there will be not so much they can do about it. So I think we need to protect them, maybe a little bit. From getting too much negative out of this.Because there is nothing they can do about it.”
Honda confirms FIA “information” on engine deficit
With the Honda engine rumoured to be as much as 100bhp down on its rivals, Honda’s Shintaro Orihara confirmed in Barcelona on Thursday it has now recieved information detailing the deficit from the FIA.
“Yeah, so we have received the information from FIA,” he said.
“So I couldn’t disclose detail point beyond FIA, how to say, disclosed.
“But we got some number. And then now we focus to develop our engine performance for summer period. We are working on improved combustion performance.And also do some friction to improve engine performance. So that will help us to boost our performance.
Honda and Aston Martin in a waiting game for upgrades to transform their fortunes. The light at the end of the tunnel is visible, but is still a long way off.
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