F1 fans react to Fernando Alonso’s problems with Aston Martin AMR26 in Bahrain testing

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Fernando Alonso was left furious on the second day of testing in Bahrain as he struggled with his Aston Martin AMR26.

Despite having the technical expertise of Adrian Newey spearheading the operation, the Silverstone outfit are on the back foot during pre-season testing in 2026. Aston Martin were late to the shakedown in Barcelona amid concerns over their Honda engines.

Newey’s AMR26 caught rivals’ attention in Spain with its ambitious and aggressive design. But in terms of performance, the team seem to be struggling towards the back of the field.

Here’s how the teams fare at the end of Bahrain testing Day 2 ⏱️

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Aston Martin are suffering with cooling issues, similar to the ones Newey faced with Red Bull in 2014. The regulations overall in 2026 are proving difficult for multiple teams and drivers to adapt to, but the Silverstone outfit are noticeably struggling.

Alonso was seen locking up the front end of his car numerous times in Bahrain. He completed 98 laps on Thursday, but he was almost four seconds behind pacesetter Charles Leclerc.

F1 fans wonder if Fernando Alonso will ‘give up’ on Aston Martin after Bahrain test frustration

After returning to the garage, Alonso threw his gloves off in frustration. The 44-year-old was clearly unhappy with the car as his lap times were seconds off the pace.

Reacting to Alonso’s anger on Reddit, many F1 fans feel that Alonso will not put up with the car or the new regulations much longer.

“His contract ends at the end of the 2026 season. I think it’s over…” said one fan. “Mid-season retirement incoming!” wrote another.

“Man, that look is much worse than even Ferrari can bring you to, they really might be seconds off the pace,” said one user. Lance Stroll claimed that Aston Martin were four seconds behind the top teams in his post-session debrief in Bahrain.

How worried are you about Aston Martin after Lance Stroll’s BRUTAL comments?

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Many wondered if Alonso would call time on his career amid his latest struggles with Aston Martin. One said: “He knows it would be perfectly ok for him to walk away and go do something that he might enjoy a lot more, right? It’s looking like it will be torture to drive that car…”

Another echoed: “I wouldn’t even be angry if Alonso decides to stop midway through the season, if it’s really that bad. Man, that’s such a bummer, if true of course.”

Finally, one fan said: “How long before we see him give up on F1 and go for this triple crown he obviously wants? Zak was heard this week saying Fernando is always welcome in a McLaren IndyCar if he wants the 500. How long till Fernando says enough is enough with F1?”

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

What has Fernando Alonso said about his F1 future beyond 2026?

Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the 2026 season. He faces a tough decision when it comes to his future in F1.

Alonso wants to wait until September to decide on his next move. Whether he will stay at Aston Martin, move elsewhere, or retire from F1 will be on everyone’s mind.

But the Spaniard may be rushed into a decision, given how chaotic the F1 driver market could be. Oscar Piastri has been named as a candidate for Aston Martin if he decides to leave McLaren.

Charles Leclerc has also been linked with Aston Martin as he puts pressure on Ferrari. If Lawrence Stroll wants to move fast for 2027, Alonso may have to hurry his decision on his future..