Aston Martin Unveil First Adrian Newey–Designed AMR26 in Saudi Arabia

Aston Martin have completed the 2026 Formula 1 launch season by presenting the livery for the AMR26, the first car shaped under the direction of Adrian Newey. The reveal took place at a high‑profile event in Saudi Arabia, where the team showcased its latest challenger in the familiar Aston Martin Racing Green, now refined for the sport’s new regulatory era.

The AMR26 arrives after a brief appearance in a blacked‑out testing guise during the final hour of the Barcelona shakedown in late January — a teaser that generated significant intrigue. Now fully unveiled, the car represents the first product of Newey’s work inside Aston Martin’s state‑of‑the‑art Silverstone technology campus.

It also marks the beginning of the team’s exclusive partnership with Honda, whose power unit returns to Formula 1 as part of Aston Martin’s new works‑team status.

Team owner and executive chairman Lawrence Stroll framed the AMR26 as a milestone in Aston Martin’s long‑term plan to become a front‑running force.

“The AMR26 represents a defining step for Aston Martin Aramco as we enter Formula One’s new era in 2026,” Stroll said.

“These regulations mark the biggest reset the sport has seen in a generation, and we are approaching it with clear ambition: to build a team capable of winning. Every move we make is by design – considered, deliberate and built for where we are going.”

Stroll emphasised the significance of the team’s new works partnership and infrastructure: “This year also marks our first season as a full works team, supported by world-class partners including Honda, Aramco and Valvoline.

"With the AMR Technology Campus now complete, we have the people, facilities and long-term investment in place to compete with the very best. Today is another important milestone on that journey.”

The AMR26 is the first Aston Martin machine to be built under the guidance of Newey, who has taken advantage of the rare convergence of new chassis and power unit regulations.

“2026 is a rare moment in Formula One because, for the first time, the chassis and power unit regulations have changed together,” Newey explained.

“With brand-new regulations, the best philosophy is never immediately obvious, and your understanding evolves as the car develops. With the AMR26 we’ve taken a holistic approach: it’s not about one standout component, but how the full package works together.”

He added that the team’s focus has been on creating a platform that can grow throughout the season: “The focus has been on strong fundamentals, development potential, and a car that Lance and Fernando can hopefully extract performance from consistently.”

Aston Martin head into 2026 looking to rebound from a difficult 2025 campaign that yielded seventh in the constructors’ standings. The team retains its driver pairing of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, with Alonso entering his 45th year still fiercely motivated.

The two‑time world champion praised the leadership structure now in place: “This is such an exciting new chapter for Aston Martin Aramco as we adapt to the new rules, new power units, and new ideas,” Alonso said.

“With Lawrence and Adrian, we have two of the most determined and competitive people I have ever met leading the team. The past few years were not easy, but we’ve learned a lot, and that experience always makes you stronger.”

Alonso also highlighted the internal drive he has witnessed: “Everybody in this team shares the same hunger to be competitive and I have seen how much effort is happening behind the scenes to give us a car we can develop across the season.”

With pre‑season running in Bahrain imminent, Alonso is eager to begin the real work: “I’m looking forward to getting on track and developing the car as we head to Bahrain this week. I can’t wait to push hard and help make Aston Martin Aramco stronger and more competitive.”