Aston Martin launches 2026 livery, unveiling Adrian Newey's first car

Aston Martin has unveiled the livery for its 2026 challenger, the AMR26, marking the public debut of the first car designed under the guidance of legendary engineer Adrian Newey. The team staged a launch event in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, showcasing its new era as a full works team powered by Honda, with drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll aiming for a major rebound after a disappointing 2025 season.

Why it matters:

This launch represents one of the most anticipated technical partnerships in recent F1 history. Adrian Newey's move to Aston Martin, combined with the new Honda power unit partnership, signals the team's serious ambition to transition from a midfield contender to a consistent front-runner. After slipping to seventh in the 2025 Constructors' standings, the pressure is on for this new collaboration to deliver immediate performance gains.

The details:

• The car, which completed 65 laps in a shakedown at Barcelona two weeks ago in a plain black livery, was revealed in its full race colors for the first time.
• The launch in Dhahran underscores Aston Martin's growing global commercial footprint and ties to Saudi Arabia.
• The driver lineup of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll remains unchanged for a fourth consecutive season, seeking stability to develop the new car.
• All eyes will be on whether Newey's design philosophy can quickly translate into a car that leverages the new Honda power unit effectively.

What's next:

The true test begins immediately. The AMR26 will hit the track for its first public running during pre-season testing in Bahrain starting Wednesday, February 11th.

• Bahrain Testing Schedule: The first test runs from February 11th-13th, with live coverage of the final hour each day on Sky Sports F1. A second test follows from February 18th-20th, featuring full-day live coverage.
• The competitive picture will start to form over these six days of testing, offering the first real indications of whether Aston Martin's bold new project has the potential to shake up the established order for the 2026 season, which begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8th.