Aston Martin has launched its first car designed by legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey, the AMR26, ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain.
An highly anticipated collaboration between Newey and Aston Martin, the paddock was forced to wait three days for the first glimpse of the AMR26 in Barcelona.
When the car finally took to the track, rivals and fans alike took a keen interest in Newey’s design, which immediately intrigued many.
A radical interpretation of the 2026 technical regulations, the AMR26 featured sweeping sidepods, a high rake and front wing, and horns above the airbox.
Running in a jet black livery, the new car’s secrets were hidden, Aston Martin also completing the least amount of mileage of all of the teams at the Barcelona shakedown.
The secrecy continued at the launch event at a launch event broadcast online in Saudi Arabia.
However, fans were kept waiting for almost 20 minutes longer than expected following issues with the technical feed.
When the feed returned, the drivers pulled the covers off the AMR26 to rapturous applause from the audience.
The livery is a continuation of previous Aston Martin’s with British Racing Green dominating the car, contrasted with black along the underside of the sidepods and front wings.
Alonso and Stroll spoke of their excitement of driving the AMR26, Alonso having raced against Newey’s cars for his entire career.
Aston Martin will join its rivals at the Bahrain International Circuit from February 11th to 13th for the first official pre-season test, the second taking place between March 18th and 20th.
These tests will the final chances have to refine their new challengers ahead of the opening race of the year in Australia on March 8th.
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