Aston Martin has finally hit the track, and this is not just a simple shakedown! The Silverstone team has unveiled its AMR26, marking the start of a new era under the watchful eye of Adrian Newey, while partnering with Honda for the power unit. Between ambitions and realities, let’s dive into the debut of this car that could redefine the F1 landscape.
An Anticipated Track Debut
Of the eleven teams on the 2026 grid, two had not yet taken to the track when private testing in Barcelona began this week. Williams decided to skip the Catalan running, leaving the field open for Aston Martin, which adhered to the announced timelines just a few days earlier. The promise of a shakedown starting this Thursday was honored, even if it was done on a tight schedule.
The Birth of the AMR26
Everything necessary to assemble the new car arrived at the Spanish circuit on Wednesday evening, and the AMR26 was put together just in time for its track baptism. This is the first car designed under the supervision of Adrian Newey, now the director of the English team. This model is also historic, as it is the first to be powered by the Honda power unit, a partnership that marks the official return of the Japanese manufacturer to Formula 1.
An Engine That Sparks Hopes
Last week in Japan, Honda unveiled this new power unit, although the previous block still equipped the Red Bull teams until last year. During this presentation, the Japanese management seemed to temper expectations. “Of course, if we are entering competition, it is with the goal of winning,” stated Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation. “That said, the 2026 regulations are extremely demanding technically, and we may encounter difficulties.”
The Driver Duo in Action
Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll once again form the driver duo for Aston Martin in Formula 1. It was Lance Stroll who had the honor of completing the first laps in the new car, around 5 PM, just an hour before the track closed. The AMR26 appeared in an entirely black livery, adorned with a white Aston Martin logo and fitted with soft tires, a sleek yet elegant aesthetic.
A Tight but Promising Schedule
Although Aston Martin lost nearly two of the three allowed days of running this week for each team, they have not said their last word. The team will be able to take advantage of Friday to accumulate as many kilometers as possible before the two test sessions in Bahrain next month. A true test that will be crucial to evaluate the potential of the AMR26 against the competition.
An Upcoming Presentation
Before that, on Monday, February 9, the team owned by Lawrence Stroll will hold an official presentation of its 2026 livery. This will be an opportunity for fans and experts to discover more about the design and technical specifications of this new car that could well disrupt the dynamics on the starting grid.
In the meantime, all eyes are on Barcelona where Aston Martin hopes to make the most of its first laps. The competition will be fierce, but with a mix of experience and innovation, the team could surprise everyone. To follow all the news from Formula 1 and see how this season unfolds, feel free to check out our dedicated section on Formula 1.
