Mercedes think 2027 F1 rule change could be ‘especially’ helpful for Aston Martin and Honda

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Mercedes officials believe Aston Martin and Honda are not to be ‘underestimated’ heading into the new season.

Amid all the turmoil at Aston Martin, a lot of blame has been dished out to both Adrian Newey and Honda for the state of the AMR26.

The appointment of Newey as Aston Martin’s team principal has also come under question given the team’s terrible start to the new season.

When will Aston Martin score their first podium of the Adrian Newey era?

And will they get one at all?

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Even with slight improvements at the Miami Grand Prix, Aston Martin and Honda still find themselves at the bottom of the pack this season.

But their former engine suppliers, Mercedes, believe Aston Martin can bounce back from this situation as soon as 2027.

READ MORE: F1 paddock insiders think ‘fussy’ Adrian Newey is refusing to let Aston Martin upgrade their car

Bradley Lord warns against ‘underestimating’ Aston Martin ahead of 2027 regulation change

Speaking to Champ1, Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord was asked to give his thoughts on the current state of Aston Martin, and what the future looks like for them.

While Lord acknowledged their struggle this season, he was reticent to write off Aston Martin and Honda, suggesting that the new regulation change in 2027 could allow them to bounce back.

“You can always see the strength of a team when things get most difficult. How a team sticks together, and how it works its way out of such a difficult situation. We’re not underestimating them at all; we’re not writing them off, but it’s clear that they have a lot of hard work ahead of them.

“But a team with Adrian Newey and the resources and ambitions of Aston Martin, and the expertise of an engine manufacturer and partner like Honda, they will come back and fight. It’s just a matter of when exactly.

“We all know that, and we’re not underestimating them because they can change very significantly from one year to the next. Especially under the new regulations, which might also come in 2027. Never write them off, that’s the biggest mistake you can make in Formula 1.

“And we have a lot of respect for Aston Martin, for what they can do, and what they have shown us in the last few years. We expect them to come back strong, whether it’s later this year or next year.”

READ MORE: F1 teams have now given Honda £14m assistance so they don’t ‘call it quits’

Should F1 teams help Honda and give them extra upgrades in 2026?

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Aston Martin find themselves in difficult circumstances for remainder of 2026 season

There is no doubt that Adrian Newey and the entirety of the team at Aston Martin are under a great deal of pressure to try and address their problems before the current season comes to an end.

Newey is overseeing a complete overhaul of the AMR26, which he is aiming to have ready in time for the Belgian Grand Prix in July.

However, with the 14-million ADOU package set to haunt Aston Martin beyond this season, there is a concern that the team may have mortgaged their future to bail Honda out.

Hopefully, Aston Martin can show some significant progress with their chassis and power unit this season, as their performances have been the undisputed low point of this season.