David Coulthard expects Aston Martin to experience ‘massive penalties’ as part of their F1 fightback

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Aston Martin are going to start the season on the back foot in such a way that they will struggle even if they’re able to close the gap.

A lot has been made of Aston Martin’s massive problems coming into the 2026 F1 season. The decision to partner with Honda hasn’t been the success story they had hoped for.

Team Principal Adrian Newey admitted to major concerns about the engine’s vibrations and how the drivers are worried about risking permanent nerve damage trying to drive the car through it.

Should F1 stop Aston Martin from racing after Adrian Newey revealed Fernando Alonso’s ‘nerve damage’ fears?

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There are even concerns that Aston Martin will lobby to skip races in an effort to protect their drivers from having to drive an incomplete car.

Even if the team manage to turn things around, David Coulthard believes Aston Martin will be paying the price for the remainder of the season.

READ MORE: Helmut Marko was ‘very angry’ with Honda over Aston Martin return and predicted 2026 troubles

David Coulthard expects Aston Martin to suffer penalties as they try to address issues

David Coulthard spoke about the issues Aston Martin are facing with their car heading into the 2026 season. Speaking on Up To Speed, Coulthard admitted he expects the team to recover and close the gap.

However, in trying to address these concerns, Aston Martin will have to incur penalties, as much of their budget cap is going to go into making some big changes.

“Well, the last time we had this sort of difficulty was when Honda provided an engine to McLaren. And that relationship did not end well.”

“What was the misfortune for McLaren, then became this successful period for Red Bull. They will bounce back, but with massive penalties.”

“Because they’re going to have to go through the budget cap to develop that engine into something that is operational and capable of giving that team an opportunity.”

Can Adrian Newey turn the Aston Martin AMR26 into a race-winning car in 2026?

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READ MORE: Aston Martin boss privately admits Audi are ‘way ahead’ of them heading into the Australian GP

Aston Martin’s struggles set to cost Fernando Alonso his ‘last chance’ in Formula 1

Coulthard added that these issues are going to impact Aston Martin greatly, with Fernando Alonso suffering near the end of his career, while Lance Stroll will have the chance to patiently wait till the concerns are addressed.

“What I think it is, and we can all accept, this is the last chance for Fernando Alonso. Once his Aston Martin journey is done, he’s not going to Ferrari. He’s not going to Red Bull. He’s 45. As brilliant as he is, this is the final year or two years of his career.”

“Lance Stroll, do you think he’s going to turn around and say, ‘Oh, I’m going to drive for another team?’ First of all, who would have him?! Second of all, he’s not going to say that. Just keep doing what he does till he gets a winning car.”

There’s been chatter about Alonso leaving Aston Martin for Alpine. Given Alonso’s age, him joining yet another F1 team, albeit one he is familiar with, isn’t likely.

It’s a shame to see one of Formula 1’s great drivers having to deal with these issues near the tail end of their career, costing Alonso a potential poetic swansong in a sport he has become an iconic figure in.