Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone feels sorry for Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll. The Canadian businessman has invested in a completely new factory for the racing team in recent years, among other things, and recruited top designer Adrian Newey as the new team principal. However, the test days for the 2026 season were mainly plagued by technical defects. ‘You simply cannot buy a Formula 1 title’, Ecclestone states.
Read more Norris still has questions about title defense: ‘Must improve car significantly’
Aston Martin has not started the 2026 season as hoped. The British racing team was plagued by delays and technical defects during the test days in both Barcelona and Bahrain. As a result, the team was only able to complete around four hundred test laps. For comparison: the Mercedes team drove more than a thousand in Bahrain.
Owner Lawrence Stroll had certainly hoped for more during the pre-season, given that he has provided a new factory, wind tunnel, and simulator at Aston Martin in recent years, and has brought both Adrian Newey and Honda on board. Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone feels for the Canadian businessman.
Read more Aston Martin remains calm after horror tests: ‘Adrian hasn’t suddenly forgotten everything’
Comparison with Ferrari
“You simply cannot buy a Formula 1 title,” Ecclestone tells Blick. “If everything doesn’t come together, you will keep chasing success your whole life. That’s why I feel sorry for Lawrence Stroll.” The F1 Supremo compares the current situation at Aston Martin with Ferrari. The Scuderia is still looking for its first F1 title since 2008. “The fact that a piece is always missing from the title puzzle is best illustrated by Ferrari. They have been looking for the missing pieces for almost twenty years. Despite having the best conditions, drivers, and the necessary money.”
Drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, however, still have full confidence that new team principal Newey can turn the tide. “After more than thirty years in which Adrian has dominated the sport, it’s not like he has forgotten everything in one year,” says Alonso.
Read more Pirelli cancels tire test due to Middle East unrest, F1 monitoring situation
View the 2026 F1 calendar here
