Mar 17 • 21:14 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

Christian Horner 'not an option' as F1 team eye major change after just two races

Aston Martin is reportedly looking to replace Adrian Newey as Team Principal after a poor start to the 2026 F1 season, but Christian Horner is not under consideration for the role.

Aston Martin Formula 1 team is currently reviewing its leadership after a disappointing performance in the first two races of the 2026 season, where drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have not managed to secure any points. The team's struggles are in part attributed to the performance under new Team Principal Adrian Newey, who was previously the chief technical officer at Red Bull. Reports suggest that despite the team's current issues, Christian Horner, the former boss of Red Bull Racing, is not seen as a viable replacement for Newey.

The start of the 2026 season has raised significant concerns for Aston Martin, particularly with the team's performance in races held in Australia and China. Both drivers failed to finish the race in Shanghai, bringing into question the team's overall competitiveness. There were also worries about the team's ability to compete at the season's opener in Melbourne, primarily due to issues with the battery packs supplied by Honda. These mixed signals indicate broader challenges that Aston Martin must address as they aim to improve their position in the constructors' championship.

The decision to potentially replace Newey, just two races into the season, highlights the increasing pressure on Formula 1 teams to perform consistently, especially with such significant investments involved. The speculation surrounding team leadership changes could have implications for team dynamics and future performance, as the team assesses its strategy moving forward. With the auto racing landscape becoming increasingly competitive, finding the right leadership and technical expertise is more crucial than ever for the team's success.

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