Aston Martin finally made its proper on-track debut in Barcelona, with Fernando Alonso taking the wheel and completing over 60 laps. The AMR26’s late arrival meant it only ran a handful of laps on Thursday with Lance Stroll at the wheel, but the team made the most of their time during the last day of the five-day shakedown. These initial runs were crucial for teams to begin familiarising themselves with the new cars ahead of the official winter testing in Bahrain at the end of February.
Delayed start but strong performance
The Silverstone team arrived late to the Barcelona tests and was not ready to run the 2026 AMR26 during the first days of testing. This approach is typical of the experienced engineer Adrian Newey, who is known for refining cars until the last possible moment to ensure the machine is as mature as possible before hitting the track. Aston Martin was the last team to participate actively among those on the five-day schedule, arriving on Wednesday evening after indicating they would skip at least one of the three test days allowed for each team.
The AMR26 is Adrian Newey’s first full project as Aston Martin’s Team Principal, and expectations were naturally high. When the car went out for only five laps with Lance Stroll behind the wheel on Thursday, some doubts arose. However, the final day of testing with Fernando Alonso removed any uncertainty. According to the former McLaren and Ferrari driver, the car performed smoothly and completed over 60 laps without significant issues, marking a very positive day for the team.
Fernando Alonso’s comments on the AMR26 debut
Reflecting on the shakedown, Fernando Alonso said that it was exciting to be back in the car after the winter break and that it represented Aston Martin’s first real day of testing with the new AMR26. He acknowledged that some other teams had already run in early January and then spent a full week in Barcelona, but for Aston Martin this day marked the first substantial on-track program.
Alonso confirmed that the AMR26 responded well across more than 60 laps, calling the day a very positive start. He added that there would be many more productive sessions ahead, suggesting optimism for the team’s progress in the coming weeks.
Adapting to the new Honda power unit
While the AMR26 features several interesting technical solutions, the team also had to adapt to the new Honda power unit, a significant change after years of running Mercedes engines. The partnership with Honda represents a fresh start for Aston Martin and is part of the team’s strategy to enter the new F1 era with renewed competitiveness.
The car’s late debut was not a consequence of internal delays or the new collaboration, but rather a reflection of Adrian Newey’s typical development approach. Alonso noted that Newey spent both days of testing moving around the garage, checking every detail to ensure everything was perfect. His presence alone motivates the team, as mechanics and engineers closely observe and implement his suggestions to improve the car.
Fernando Alonso concluded by praising the work ethic and energy Newey brings to the garage, saying that the team is highly motivated by his attention to detail and the insights he provides. Overall, Aston Martin’s Barcelona shakedown with the AMR26 left a positive impression, setting the stage for more extensive testing in Bahrain.
Fernando Alonso’s positive assessment of the AMR26’s debut highlights a resilient start for Aston Martin, proving that despite early delays, the Adrian Newey-led design has a solid foundation. By clocking over 60 laps on the final day, the team has successfully transitioned from a shaky start to a productive data-gathering phase, crucial for their new partnership with Honda. As the team moves toward Bahrain, the high morale inspired by Newey’s meticulous attention to detail suggests that Aston Martin is meticulously preparing to climb the grid in this new 2026 era. This initial shakedown has provided the necessary spark of confidence, setting the stage for a developmental push that could see the Silverstone team emerge as a serious contender once the season officially begins.
Leave a Reply