Aston Martin boss Adrian Newey has hinted at significant changes to the team's AMR26 design before it takes to the track for the opening round of Formula 1 in Melbourne. The car, which broke cover at last week's Barcelona shakedown, has already generated interest and curiosity among rivals due to its unique approach to suspension geometry.
Newey emphasized that the final product will be 'very different' from what was seen in Barcelona, citing a compressed research and design cycle as a result of joining the team in March 2025. Despite this, Aston Martin is confident in its power unit partnership with Honda and investment in its Silverstone campus, which it believes will provide development potential for the car.
However, the team acknowledges that they are entering 2026 slightly behind their rivals, who had an advantage in wind tunnel testing from January last year. Newey's approach to design is characterized by a focus on fundamentals and a willingness to take calculated risks, which may be perceived as aggressive by some.
The team's goal is to build a car with significant development potential, rather than one that is optimized within its window but lacks further improvement opportunities. With the 2026 season just around the corner, Aston Martin is eager to prove itself and make a positive impact on the grid.
Aston Martin's AMR26 design evolution highlights the challenges of adapting to new team dynamics and resources in a compressed timeframe. Newey's approach to design, while potentially perceived as aggressive by some, demonstrates his commitment to innovation and development potential.
