Montoya on Aston Martin's Missed Opportunity with Mercedes Power

Juan Pablo Montoya, never shy to share his thoughts, reckons Aston Martin might have been rubbing shoulders with the best in Formula 1 had they stuck with Mercedes engines. According to him, a pivotal choice made before Adrian Newey joined the team has left Aston Martin in a bit of a pickle.

The 2026 season saw Aston Martin debut a new upgrade package that finally gave Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll something to smile about. Their P13 and P14 finishes in Hungary marked a season-best when both cars crossed the finish line.

While Adrian Newey is working his magic on the chassis, the Honda power unit has been more of a headache than a help. Montoya suggests that if Aston Martin had continued with Mercedes, they might have been closer to the front of the grid.

"When Newey came in, the car was pretty much done," Montoya explained. "He had input, but the design was already locked in. If they’d had Mercedes power now, they’d be among the top teams."

Aston Martin's decision to partner with Honda was made before Newey's involvement and is seen as a gamble that hasn't quite paid off yet. However, Honda is expected to deliver an upgraded engine with a 30 horsepower boost after the summer break. This might not put Aston Martin in the league of Mercedes or Red Bull, but it’s a step forward.

The decision to go with Honda engines, a move to establish themselves as a works team, was made back in 2023. Montoya believes if Lawrence Stroll had waited, the team might have been in a better position today. Nevertheless, Aston Martin is hopeful the new Honda engine will help close the gap.

In the ever-evolving landscape of F1, where power units and aerodynamics are king, such strategic decisions can make or break a season. For now, Aston Martin fans will have to wait and see if the new engine can deliver on its promise.