Honda have released an urgent update after an incident involving Fernando Alonso disrupted testing in Bahrain. The drama unfolded during the final pre-season test ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign, held at the Bahrain International Circuit. Alonso’s stoppage triggered a red flag, compounding what has already been a challenging week for Aston Martin.
Expectations had been high for Aston Martin following the arrival of renowned designer Adrian Newey. However, their 2026 challenger, the AMR26, has struggled with reliability issues throughout the test. Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll have both seen their track time heavily restricted, with the team completing fewer than 400 laps overall.
The red flag on Thursday afternoon was later confirmed to have been caused by a battery-related problem on Alonso’s car. Reports also indicated that a similar issue affected Stroll’s machine, preventing him from setting a lap during the opening hours of Friday’s session. The setbacks forced Honda to reassess their running plans for the remainder of the test.
In an official statement, Honda explained that simulations were being conducted at their Sakura facility to investigate the fault. The manufacturer also acknowledged a shortage of power unit components, meaning the team would limit their final day programme to short runs only. The situation has raised concerns about both reliability and the impact of budget restrictions on rapid part replacements.
Despite the difficulties, Alonso has remained positive about the season ahead. The two-time world champion expressed confidence that solutions are being developed and stressed the importance of resolving issues before the opening race in Australia. While testing has been far from ideal, he believes there is still time to turn things around before the championship battle truly begins.
About the Author
