– Aston Martin is struggling in the 2026 Formula 1 season – with its car, with the persistently weak performance, and above all with the motivation of the employees. Because it is still not foreseeable when Aston Martin can make major progress and catch up with the midfield.
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“That’s why you have to motivate yourself by improving from race to race,” explained Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack before the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (follow all units here in the Formula 1 live ticker!).
“Of course, we live in a world where there is constant talk of improvements and updates. And when no big steps or immediately visible results come, it frustrates people. We have to deal with this situation.”
Mike Krack believes: The hardest phase is yet to come
It will be especially difficult for Aston Martin with the start of the European season, because according to Krack it is an “intense phase with a high pace”. Krack: “We have to hold out there.”
But Aston Martin is prepared. “We had a meeting with the team on Thursday morning [in Canada], and the mood is very good because we deal honestly with the situation, understand it, and talk openly about it,” said Krack. “For the drivers, however, it is particularly difficult because they are the main focus.”
Why Aston Martin has to “protect” its drivers
Krack therefore wants to “protect” especially Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll – also from the media. “Our drivers get asked the same question every weekend. On Thursday, on Friday, on Saturday, and again on Sunday. And the following week again from the start. The hardest part for them is constantly repeating the same thing.”
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The media pressure and the lack of results weigh on Aston Martin and especially the drivers, said Krack. “They accumulate frustration about driving at the back of the field.”
How Aston Martin wants to hold out until the updates
Relief is still not in sight: Aston Martin will implement “changes to the car” for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, but “larger parts will come more towards summer,” explained Krack. For now, the AMR26 will only be modified “in detail,” and in “various areas that are not particularly visible but help us further.”
Endurance is the order of the day at Aston Martin. According to Krack, “there’s no point in making a long face. We have a task to accomplish at the racetrack and must get the maximum out of our current package. We have to accept that – and keep the motivation high.”
The latter has so far succeeded well with his team. “In Miami, for example, the cooperation was extremely strong. For example, in how we handled different situations with the tires, cooling, and similar topics,” said Krack. “So there are positive developments. They are just currently overshadowed by the results.”
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