Formula 1 supporters have been buzzing online after unseen footage from pre-season testing in Bahrain sparked concern about one team’s prospects for 2026. Running continues this week at the Bahrain International Circuit, where teams are gathering crucial data ahead of the new campaign.
On track, several frontrunners impressed. Charles Leclerc set the pace for much of the day before being eclipsed by Oscar Piastri and George Russell, with Russell ultimately recording the fastest lap. Meanwhile, Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton endured a disrupted afternoon due to technical trouble.
Further down the order, it was a difficult outing for Aston Martin. Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso finished well outside the top positions, continuing what has been a challenging test programme for the Silverstone-based squad.
The situation intensified after a clip circulated online showing Stroll in discussion with team principal Adrian Newey and owner Lawrence Stroll. Viewers noted Newey appeared tense during the exchange, prompting speculation that the team’s car is struggling more than expected. Aston Martin have reportedly completed relatively few laps compared to rivals after encountering multiple reliability setbacks.
Fans were quick to react, with some predicting a long and painful start to the season. Stroll himself recently acknowledged the team may be several seconds off the current benchmark, though he cautioned that fuel loads and testing programmes can distort the true picture. Even so, the emerging footage has fueled doubts about whether Aston Martin can recover before the 2026 championship begins.
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