What's behind Honda and Aston Martin's F1 "team gathering" in Barcelona?

Honda and Aston Martin’s Formula 1 “team gathering” in Barcelona underscores how early results are testing the partnership’s progress during the European season. After Fernando Alonso scored the team’s first point in Monaco, the drivers faced a repeat of poor qualifying form, with both Aston Martin cars finishing last in qualifying in Barcelona as well. At the circuit, the quickest Aston Martin was reported to be about a full second behind the slowest Cadillac in Q1, prompting Alonso to say the team has the weakest chassis and power unit on the grid. Honda’s president, Koji Watanabe, acknowledged the challenge and cited hopes pinned on an upgrade package due later this summer, including Adrian Newey’s first significant contribution. Watanabe also referenced the company’s difficult 2015 hybrid-era start and said no partner change is planned. He attended Thursday’s meeting to review issues with team members, described by Motorsport.com as informal and the first on-track gathering of the year.