2026 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team

[etusch]

A video a forumer shared a few pages ago comparing Alonso to the Bearman ( I think he uses ferrari powertrain) caught my attention. The AM transmission ratios were really different from the other one. The engine revs and gears were always, almost always lower. I don't know if they chose very long ratios. I haven't read anything about the compatibility of these ratios with the engine either. Maybe they're keeping that entirely internal.

It seems they'll become a more solid team towards the end of this season, having overcome their initial problems. The transmission also seems to have suffered from this beginner work. Moreover, in a formula where energy recovery is almost half of the PU power, this weakness will be even more painful, but perhaps the worst is necessary for the best.

[diffuser]

There is always room for improvement, even ourselves. There will be a second gearbox eventually and likely different ratios to consider for next season. There have been sync issues in low speed corners. The clutch also having had issues that caused Lance to DNF would probably be part of an improved design. They probably have figured they just need to make do with what they have and can adjust torque loads of the MGUK to smoothen out the operation. So in effect Honda's PU engineers are accommodating some of the inherent issues.

In doing so, Honda likely ended up not being able to use their desired maps and have to use harvested energy for torque smoothing instead of outright power delivery. Torque smoothing during downshifts requires the MGUK to be used instead of harvesting efficiently. I believe this causes over-heating of the hybrid system particularly the battery and CE. These components have been swapped often for AMR26.
The penalty is the appearance that the Honda PU is incapable of harvesting since it derates early on the straight compared to others. The truth is they aren't able to run the PU optimally regardless of their weak combustion energy. And Alonso did mention Honda accommodated the weaknesses of the AMR side.

Quote from Alonso from theRace:

"The biggest problem for me was the gearbox," he said. "It was impossible to drive. I lost sync in every braking point, I had no acceleration out of the corners, and the downshifts were all over the place, very random.

“Sometimes I had push, sometimes I had rear locking. That was a bad surprise."

There was more of the same on Sunday. And with Canada next on the calendar, Alonso's made it clear this is something Aston Martin - which has developed its own gearbox for the first time since 2008 - must improve.

"It was more the gearbox the whole weekend than the engine," he said.

#1 By AMR F1, I mean Honda as well. I am 100% certain the decision not to bring the new gearbox had Honda's input. I highly doubt Honda said, "We need the new gearbox," and AMR replied, "No, we want the PU to suck!" Either it wasn't ready, or it wasn't necessary.

#2 Like I've said several times, gearboxes need a brief pause in torque to shift gears. When the paddle shifter is pulled, it sends a microsecond torque reduction request to the PU. If that torque pause doesn't happen, the gearbox runs into synchronization problems.

When shifting under full throttle, both the ICE and the MGU-K have to execute the torque reduction together. Under braking, the MGU-K has to do it while charging the battery without affecting brake pedal feel or the amount of braking. This is something Honda has done in the past, but as you know, the amount of power delivery and energy recovery has changed significantly under the 2026 regulations.

Honda has also said that the lack of maturity in the combustion was affecting this. All of this is to say that when a driver says the gearbox has synchronization problems, that's what they're feeling—it doesn't necessarily mean the gearbox itself is the issue. Alonso is an incredibly talented driver, but he isn't an engineer.

Again, I'm not saying this is definitely what's happening. I'm saying maybe. The fact that Honda and AMR chose not to bring the new gearbox points in that direction.

It could also have been as simple as all their data on the old ICE was the with the old gearbox and if you want to compare apples to apples changing only tge ICE gives you that direct comparison.

[FNTC]

A video a forumer shared a few pages ago comparing Alonso to the Bearman ( I think he uses ferrari powertrain) caught my attention. The AM transmission ratios were really different from the other one. The engine revs and gears were always, almost always lower. I don't know if they chose very long ratios. I haven't read anything about the compatibility of these ratios with the engine either. Maybe they're keeping that entirely internal.

It seems they'll become a more solid team towards the end of this season, having overcome their initial problems. The transmission also seems to have suffered from this beginner work. Moreover, in a formula where energy recovery is almost half of the PU power, this weakness will be even more painful, but perhaps the worst is necessary for the best.

[KimiRai]

You all are really, really relentless. Or mad. Much more than me. Had mostly given up last year but couldn't help keeping a lazy eye until Alonso drives his last ever lap. Curiosity killed the cat or so they say. At least that prevented me from fully enduring the disastrous start of 2026, but you have hung here even in the worst moment of all. Two seconds adrift of the Cadillacs. Wow... just shows here are bigger, crazier, delusional, ridiculous Alonso fans than myself. Really made me appreciate all of you a lot.

Regardless of the position or the strategy (decent pitstops at least), this is the first time in 3 years there is good correlation. Cannot forget the amount of times updates were not successful. It felt like a poor joke again and again. Delivered well, firmly well into expectations for once. If Honda delivers as promised too then both sides of the car are developing nicely. Despite a similar start that would be something very different from McHonda years...

Glad to see the blame game is slowly going away. It's boring. Let's just live and forget, we need each other. Alonso has had an exemplary attitude during this whole ordeal. Barely a single hit, drive-by at Honda or anything, while Stroll has been much poorer on that aspect. I'm sure the Honda fans here appreciate that. Of course that will never stop certain people from the F1 world from calling him toxic.

Alonso said that they needed one more practice session in Budapest and they would've tried a different setup. Not that it would have necessarily gone well, but it suggests there is more to extract from the package yet. Monza and Baku might be difficult but that is expected.

Read about a second package still left for this year around Singapore, is it not? Considering Aston's patterns they have usually brought packages to Austin instead, unless that changes. Very interested in seeing where Newey keeps his attention in preparation of 2027. I haven't lost any faith in him at all, neither has Alonso and that is why he will stay, it is just a question of time.

[TyreSlip]

You all are really, really relentless. Or mad. Much more than me. Had mostly given up last year but couldn't help keeping a lazy eye until Alonso drives his last ever lap. Curiosity killed the cat or so they say. At least that prevented me from fully enduring the disastrous start of 2026, but you have hung here even in the worst moment of all. Two seconds adrift of the Cadillacs. Wow... just shows here are bigger, crazier, delusional, ridiculous Alonso fans than myself. Really made me appreciate all of you a lot.

We lived through 2015-2017. Resiliency is something you build as a fan.

Read about a second package still left for this year around Singapore, is it not? Considering Aston's patterns they have usually brought packages to Austin instead, unless that changes. Very interested in seeing where Newey keeps his attention in preparation of 2027. I haven't lost any faith in him at all, neither has Alonso and that is why he will stay, it is just a question of time.

Originally there was a rumour of a large upgrade for Singapore, but Newey recently said there would be a further weight reduction set for Zandvoort, followed by two smaller upgrades at Monza and Baku. I do not know if there will be any more updates after that. All of those crash tests pre-season and for the new car must have had a large impact on the cost cap.

Alonso has not announced if he will race in 2027. Either he stays on as a driver or as an ambassador next year. Obviously we hope for the former.

[Otromundo]

Thank you very much to everyone for your spirit of collaboration. You share so much information that I imagine you really dedicate a lot of time to this hobby. And I think that should be appreciated: muchas gracias.

Well, things are starting to make sense to me thanks to your comments. I’ve always thought that the car had a traction problem that still shows up in slow corners. I also always thought that the gear ratio was wrong or at least unusual. Although these were just my suspicions from observing the car's behavior, I didn’t have any other information to rely on.

Apparently, there’s a little mess with all of the above: engine RPMs, clutch operation, and a rookie gearbox that will need to evolve to adapt its performance to the needs. So the symptoms I thought I was noticing were real, not just my imagination.

I still need to check that the rear suspension doesn’t add problems to what we already had or that they know how to avoid them. Because it was another one of the components in the 'car parts that can cause problems' section. And several times I’ve been surprised that the car would take slow corners ‘bouncing.’ At the Hungaroring 13 it did that, but then I found out that precisely there they had had strong gusts of wind. I was left wondering.

The excess weight is also supposed to be limited as much as possible. This chassis didn’t turn out well for Newey the first time. I think that with the original idea of mounting the power section differently and decisively, possibly too late, the mismanagement started due to the rush. The car was very immature when the season started, at least the engine-chassis pair didn’t get along well and argued too much. Now things seem to have calmed down quite a bit.

And here’s the big stuff: the engine and the energy storage - release system. I’d rather not comment here because I don’t know what to say. We’ll see it starting at Zandvoort.

Then there’s the aerodynamic issue. The current modifications seem fine to me because they make sense; hopefully, they’ll work without major changes. Although it would be a blessing if they manage to improve performance, of course.

It’s supposed that MB will choose Monza to change essential parts and with that receive the appropriate penalty. I guess they’ll start from the back of the grid. And they’ll have to fight their way up. If things improve at Zandvoort, it’ll be very interesting to see that. Because I guess AMR won’t make big changes in Monza and therefore will start ahead of MB, of course.

[diffuser]

You all are really, really relentless. Or mad. Much more than me. Had mostly given up last year but couldn't help keeping a lazy eye until Alonso drives his last ever lap. Curiosity killed the cat or so they say. At least that prevented me from fully enduring the disastrous start of 2026, but you have hung here even in the worst moment of all. Two seconds adrift of the Cadillacs. Wow... just shows here are bigger, crazier, delusional, ridiculous Alonso fans than myself. Really made me appreciate all of you a lot.

We lived through 2015-2017. Resiliency is something you build as a fan.

Read about a second package still left for this year around Singapore, is it not? Considering Aston's patterns they have usually brought packages to Austin instead, unless that changes. Very interested in seeing where Newey keeps his attention in preparation of 2027. I haven't lost any faith in him at all, neither has Alonso and that is why he will stay, it is just a question of time.

Originally there was a rumour of a large upgrade for Singapore, but Newey recently said there would be a further weight reduction set for Zandvoort, followed by two smaller upgrades at Monza and Baku. I do not know if there will be any more updates after that. All of those crash tests pre-season and for the new car must have had a large impact on the cost cap.

Alonso has not announced if he will race in 2027. Either he stays on as a driver or as an ambassador next year. Obviously we hope for the former.

Newey said upgrade in Baku then 2027.

Alonso sounded like he was already onboard for next year. If he wasn't, think AMR F1 would already be scrambling to replace him. They seem just to calm.

[diffuser]

A video a forumer shared a few pages ago comparing Alonso to the Bearman ( I think he uses ferrari powertrain) caught my attention. The AM transmission ratios were really different from the other one. The engine revs and gears were always, almost always lower. I don't know if they chose very long ratios. I haven't read anything about the compatibility of these ratios with the engine either. Maybe they're keeping that entirely internal.

It seems they'll become a more solid team towards the end of this season, having overcome their initial problems. The transmission also seems to have suffered from this beginner work. Moreover, in a formula where energy recovery is almost half of the PU power, this weakness will be even more painful, but perhaps the worst is necessary for the best.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HBImPP2awAA ... =4096x4096

I don't understand the graphic, like for AMR 8th gear is 92%, what does that mean?

[zoroastar]

There’s too much information, and on top of that, AI is wreaking havoc—you can't trust anyone.

Unfortunately, sometimes you have no choice but to take an interest in what people say.

I’ve been looking for pictures of Fernando during the filming day. Mainly his facial expressions. After spending quite a bit of time on it, I gave up. I decided that the most reliable source of information would be seeing his face, but I haven’t been able to verify that.

I’m a bit worried about the gearbox because from the start I included it in the 'possible sources of problems' section.

Starting Monday, I’ll be going on vacation to draw and paint in peace. The truth will be revealed in Zandvoort. I hope it will be pleasant and the start of something big.

Wasn't it Jak Crawford driving in filming day? I don't think Alonso was even there.

jack crawford drove in the tire test with the old chassis, not the filming day. pretty sure i saw both 14 and 18

[zoroastar]

I think the video points out an important structure which is going to be the 2nd gearbox that AMR have ever built.

If its bad, the engine will do FA. I am just shocked they didnt bring it to the Filming day.

Not knowing any real data about what's changing, you know it was a mistake. Yet AMR F1 who have àll this data and choose not to bring the gearbox are wrong. Hmm, how about that. Or maybe the "gearbox" issues have been overblow and really those issues were drivability issues caused by software and the Combustion issue?

the gearbox is the easy scapegoat for anybody that is incapable of accepting that honda screwed up. since they cant blame the chassis or rear suspension anymore. theyll always be able to point at the gearbox because neither honda or aston will come out and say that the gearbox is perfectly fine. because they are too busy trying to make the car faster. and they dont care about conspiracy theories lol

[zoroastar]

You all are really, really relentless. Or mad. Much more than me. Had mostly given up last year but couldn't help keeping a lazy eye until Alonso drives his last ever lap. Curiosity killed the cat or so they say. At least that prevented me from fully enduring the disastrous start of 2026, but you have hung here even in the worst moment of all. Two seconds adrift of the Cadillacs. Wow... just shows here are bigger, crazier, delusional, ridiculous Alonso fans than myself. Really made me appreciate all of you a lot.

We lived through 2015-2017. Resiliency is something you build as a fan.

Read about a second package still left for this year around Singapore, is it not? Considering Aston's patterns they have usually brought packages to Austin instead, unless that changes. Very interested in seeing where Newey keeps his attention in preparation of 2027. I haven't lost any faith in him at all, neither has Alonso and that is why he will stay, it is just a question of time.

Originally there was a rumour of a large upgrade for Singapore, but Newey recently said there would be a further weight reduction set for Zandvoort, followed by two smaller upgrades at Monza and Baku. I do not know if there will be any more updates after that. All of those crash tests pre-season and for the new car must have had a large impact on the cost cap.

Alonso has not announced if he will race in 2027. Either he stays on as a driver or as an ambassador next year. Obviously we hope for the former.

it would be typical if he quit right before they start winning. but i dont think theres any way he retires after this year. after he links up with newey and some light on the horizon. unless he just couldnt physically anymore. i wish hed sign for 2 years but i doubt thatd happen either

[etusch]

I don't understand the graphic, like for AMR 8th gear is 92%, what does that mean?

It considers the lowest ratio to be 100/100 and tells you the proportional difference between longer and shorter ratios. So, Aıdi has the shortest first gear, it is 100%, while the Red Bull's first gear is 94% longer, for example.

I think Aston and Honda considered acceleration in all gears as a common feature of both ice and em, and perhaps planned for more intensive em use in the longer gears.

[abhi1200]

A video a forumer shared a few pages ago comparing Alonso to the Bearman ( I think he uses ferrari powertrain) caught my attention. The AM transmission ratios were really different from the other one. The engine revs and gears were always, almost always lower. I don't know if they chose very long ratios. I haven't read anything about the compatibility of these ratios with the engine either. Maybe they're keeping that entirely internal.

It seems they'll become a more solid team towards the end of this season, having overcome their initial problems. The transmission also seems to have suffered from this beginner work. Moreover, in a formula where energy recovery is almost half of the PU power, this weakness will be even more painful, but perhaps the worst is necessary for the best.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HBImPP2awAA ... =4096x4096

As this is technical graph so let understand in a simple language:

First, what is a gear ratio in F1?

Think of riding a bicycle.

Short gear = Easier to pedal, accelerates quickly, but reaches a lower top speed.

Long gear = Harder to pedal, slower acceleration, but can reach a higher top speed.


An F1 gearbox works on the same principle.

Shorter gears help the car get out of slow corners faster.

Longer gears help the car stay in each gear longer before shifting, which can be useful on fast sections.


There isn't a "best" gear ratio. It depends on:

Engine characteristics

Aerodynamics

Tire usage

The team's overall car philosophy



---

What does this graph show?

This graph compares how short or long each team's gears are relative to the others.

Higher line = shorter gear

Lower line = longer gear


It is "normalized," meaning it's only comparing the teams with each other.


---

McLaren (Orange)

Extremely short gears from 3rd to 8th.

Very aggressive acceleration.


This suggests McLaren wants maximum punch coming out of corners.


---

Ferrari (Red)

Shortest 1st gear.

Middle of the pack in higher gears.


Ferrari has optimized launches and slow-speed corners.


---

Red Bull (Dark Blue)

Longer 1st gear.

Fairly short higher gears.


This is a balanced setup.


---

Mercedes (Cyan)

Very balanced.

Nothing extreme.



---

Aston Martin (Green)

Since this is an Aston Martin page let's look carefully.

The green line is the lowest for most of the graph.

That means Aston has the longest gears of almost everyone.

Is that bad?

Not necessarily.

It means Aston has chosen a different philosophy.

Advantages:

Fewer gear changes.

Potentially smoother power delivery.

Better efficiency in some situations.


Disadvantages:

Doesn't accelerate as hard out of slow corners.

Can feel less lively.



---

Why would Aston do this?

Remember:

Gear ratios are chosen around the engine.

In 2026:

Aston uses the new Honda engine.

Honda and Aston engineers probably found this gearbox works best with their power delivery.


So this isn't because Aston "couldn't" choose shorter gears.

It's because they believe this setup makes the overall car faster.


---

Is Aston the worst?

No.

This graph does not rank fastest to slowest.

It only shows different engineering choices.

Imagine two runners:

One takes short, quick steps.

One takes long strides.


Neither is automatically faster.

The same is true for gear ratios.


---

What about Audi?

Audi (light gray) is the most unusual.

Their gears become much longer than everyone else's after 3rd gear.

That's why the graph says:

> "Audi on its own path."



They've taken a very different approach.


---

Simple summary

Team Gear philosophy

McLaren Very short gears, strongest acceleration
Ferrari Short 1st gear, balanced afterward
Red Bull Balanced, slightly short higher gears
Mercedes Neutral setup
Aston Martin Long gears, smoother and more efficient
Audi Extremely long higher gears

This graph doesn't say Aston is bad. It simply shows Aston has chosen the longest gearbox among most teams. Whether that is the right decision depends on how well it matches their Honda engine, aerodynamics, and overall car. The only thing that matters in the end is lap time. If the long gears help the car complete a lap faster, then they're the better choice, even if they look unusual on this chart.

[Enstone]

I'm so sick of waiting for them to bring out even the 2026 version A in miniature... That livery and design look amazing!

[etusch]

~

That's a much better explanation. Thank you.
I just want to say this: firstly, even if we don't consider the electric motor at all, longer gear ratios don't necessarily mean slower acceleration out of corners because the assumption that you'll stay in the same gear and at lower RPMs is wrong. While some corners might not suit the design of any particular vehicle, the Aston can accelerate better/same/slightly slower by staying in a lower gear at higher RPMs and with higher torque.

But when we disable the electric motor, longer gear ratios result in slower acceleration, just as you said. However, I think Aston & Honda have calculated that they can close this gap with the support of the electric motor. In other words, if they improve energy recovery and utilization with a lighter and more stable vehicle, they are expected to find a performance gain in that area as well.