Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey says their power unit supplier Honda are disappointed with their lack of progress since returning to Formula 1.

The manufacturer encountered serious vibration and reliability problems with its power unit at the beginning of the season. The FIA revised F1’s rules in May to allow Honda to spend more money on development.

Honda has introduced upgrades to its power unit since then. However Aston Martin remains 10th in the championship, only ahead of Cadillac, and Newey believes Honda expected greater gains.

“I think it’s fair to say that Honda have probably been a little bit disappointed with how much progress they have managed to make this year,” said Newey. “But as always, or as is so often the case in that situation, it only strengthens resolve to go forward in the future.

“I think the future is obviously the important bit for both companies. They are very determined. These things don’t change overnight, but they have a lot of good people and a lot of good processes now in place.”

Newey said the situation does not compare directly with his previous experience of working with Honda at Red Bull from 2019.

“At the moment, in all truth, Honda are a little bit behind where Red Bull, as the works team, picked up Honda in ’19. That obviously was four seasons after they first came back in ’15.

“So, this is the first year back in. They are a great company. I have every confidence that they will accelerate quickly and understand the problems of these particular PU regulations.”

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