Aston Martin unveils Adrian Newey-designed AMR26 for 2026 F1 season

Aston Martin has launched its 2026 Formula 1 challenger, the AMR26, marking the first car fully designed under the leadership of legendary engineer Adrian Newey since he joined the team. The car, revealed in Saudi Arabia, features a matte British Racing Green livery and debuts the new Honda power unit as the Japanese manufacturer returns as a full works partner.

Why it matters:

The AMR26 represents a pivotal moment for Aston Martin, combining the design genius of Adrian Newey—F1's most successful contemporary engineer—with a renewed factory partnership with Honda. This collaboration is the team's clearest statement of intent to move from the midfield to consistent podium contention, challenging the established top teams in the new 2026 regulatory era.

The details:

• The car completed its initial shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, managing just five laps on day one with Lance Stroll before an issue halted running.
• After overnight work, Fernando Alonso completed a more substantial 61-lap program on the second day, providing crucial early data.
• The design immediately drew attention for its aggressive aerodynamic solutions, including unique suspension member placement, additional fins around the halo and central air intake, and recessed inlets on the sidepods.
• The livery retains the team's traditional green but in a matte finish, with title sponsor Aramco taking prominent placement and Honda's new logo featured as the new powertrain supplier.

The big picture:

Honda's official return as a works partner adds a major technical narrative. While the brand's F1 project leader, Tetsushi Kakuda, has expressed confidence in the progress of the electrification side of the new power unit, he has noted the internal combustion engine development is "not necessarily" on the same track, hinting at potential early challenges. For Aston Martin, the package is a high-risk, high-reward bet: Newey's aerodynamic concepts paired with a Honda power unit that has championship-winning pedigree but is returning after a multi-year absence from a full works program.

What's next:

The AMR26 will face its first true test in front of competitors and the media at the official pre-season test in Bahrain. All eyes will be on its reliability and pace as the team prepares for the season opener in Melbourne. The early shakedown issues underscore the development race against time, with the Newey-Honda partnership's ultimate potential likely to unfold over the opening rounds of the 2026 season.