Barcelona, Spain – February 2, 2026 – In a momentous development for Aston Martin Racing, two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso has conducted the inaugural track outing of the team’s groundbreaking AMR26 car. The 44-year-old Spanish driver, who has long competed against vehicles designed by the renowned engineer Adrian Newey, described the experience as profoundly significant, underscoring Newey’s pivotal role in the project’s advancement.
The AMR26 signifies a transformative era for the Silverstone-based outfit, embodying innovative adaptations to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations. Crafted under Newey’s guidance in his capacity as managing technical partner and team principal, the car features advanced elements such as active aerodynamics, reduced dimensions, and compatibility with sustainable fuels. Complementing these design innovations is a new works power unit supplied by Honda, marking a departure from the team’s previous Mercedes partnership. The vehicle’s striking aesthetics, including an assertive front wing and diffuser, reflect Newey’s signature aggressive engineering approach.
Aston Martin’s arrival at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was delayed, with the AMR26 transported via air freight to adhere to stringent timelines. Consequently, the team forewent initial filming sessions, rendering this shakedown their first substantial on-track activity. In contrast, competitors such as Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren had already accrued considerable mileage. On Thursday, teammate Lance Stroll completed a limited number of laps before a minor technical glitch prompted a red flag, curtailing the session prematurely. Friday, however, yielded more encouraging results, with Alonso accumulating an unofficial 61 laps dedicated to data acquisition, reliability assessments, and preliminary setup optimizations.
Reflecting on the milestone, Alonso stated, “It’s been a long time coming. To finally feel what it’s like from the inside—yeah, very special.” He elaborated on the car’s promising attributes, despite the constrained preparation period, noting, “The last few weeks have been very intense in the factory, trying to have the car ready, and we made it.” Alonso characterized the day’s proceedings as constructive, acknowledging the team’s late entry but emphasizing the insights gained from the completed laps.
A key highlight of the endeavor is Newey’s immersive involvement, which Alonso praised as instrumental. “He’s always teaching us something,” Alonso remarked. “You see everyone watching him, waiting for that one comment that could change everything. He motivates the mechanics, points out areas to improve—it’s like having a masterclass every day.” Newey’s multifaceted leadership has revitalized the organization, which has navigated notable transitions in recent years, now fortified by his expertise and the Honda collaboration.
As part of Formula 1’s preparatory regimen ahead of official pre-season testing in Bahrain later this month, the shakedown prioritized endurance and system integration over performance metrics. No definitive competitive order materialized, given the diverse testing agendas among participants. For Aston Martin, the emphasis remains on refinement and cohesion. Alonso candidly conceded, “We have a lot of work still to do,” while expressing confidence in the AMR26’s foundational innovations.
Looking ahead to the 2026 campaign, the synergy between Alonso and Newey holds substantial promise. Newey’s storied history of crafting championship-caliber machinery, combined with Alonso’s relentless ambition for a third world title, positions Aston Martin as a potential contender at the forefront of the grid. Industry observers and enthusiasts are abuzz with anticipation, viewing this alliance as a catalyst for an exhilarating season.
