Aston Martin Unveils Adrian Newey–Designed AMR26 in Late Pre-Season Test Debut

Aston Martin has finally rolled out its first Formula 1 car developed under the guidance of legendary designer Adrian Newey, with the AMR26 making a late appearance during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The debut of the new machine had been delayed for reasons the team has not disclosed, but Aston Martin managed to send the car out for the final hour of running on Thursday. Lance Stroll completed just four measured laps before the car was brought to a halt on track, a decision the team described as “precautionary.”

Despite the limited running, the AMR26 immediately drew interest for its striking design. Sporting an all-black camouflage livery, the car’s nose, sidepods and engine cover stood out from many of its rivals seen so far under the new 2026 regulations.

Testing is being conducted behind closed doors with no independent media access, but images released by Aston Martin reveal a notably wide nose ,unusual for cars built to the latest rules, with a shape that has already prompted comparisons to a duck’s bill. The sidepods appear extremely slim with aggressive undercuts, the front suspension pick-up points sit unusually high on the chassis, and the engine cover is dramatically sculpted.

The car only arrived in Spain on Wednesday, with the team spending much of the day completing final preparations before running.

“It was a long day for all the mechanics and everyone in the team pushing flat out to get the car ready,” Stroll said. “We managed to get a few laps in at the end, and it felt good. Now it’s about learning the car and understanding where its strengths and weaknesses are.”

Fernando Alonso is scheduled to take over driving duties on Friday, the final day of this week’s test.

Newey, whose designs have delivered 14 drivers’ championships and 12 constructors’ titles across stints with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull since 1991, joined Aston Martin in March last year and has been focused on the 2026 project ever since.

The new car arrives amid sweeping regulation changes for Formula 1, with entirely new chassis, power units, tyres and fuels introduced for 2026. Aston Martin also begins a new chapter as Honda’s factory partner, ending the manufacturer’s long association with Red Bull, Newey’s former team and adding further intrigue to the AMR26’s early appearance.

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Written by

James Rees

A passionate motorsport journalist from Wales, with over 30 years of love for the sport. A dedicated father of three, working as a content manager, covering the fast-paced world of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula E, and IndyCar.

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