Lance Stroll has expressed his initial thoughts after taking Aston Martin’s highly anticipated 2026 F1 car out for its debut run. The AMR26, the first Aston Martin designed by the renowned engineer Adrian Newey, finally made its appearance during a behind-closed-doors shakedown test in Barcelona on Thursday’s final hour.
Stroll completed four slow laps with the Honda-powered AMR26 before stopping on track, which caused a red flag. “It felt good,” he said after returning to the cockpit following a brief break. He praised the mechanics and the entire team for their hard work in prepping the car, adding, “I ran a few laps at the end of the day and it felt good.”
The unveiling of the AMR26 at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit sparked considerable interest. Sporting a sleek all-black camouflage design, the car features a unique nose, sidepod, and engine cover layout that sets it apart from previous Aston Martin models. Fernando Alonso also experienced Newey’s innovative creation when he drove the car on Friday.
Aston Martin’s chief trackside engineer, Mike Clack, commented on the challenges the team faced leading up to the test. “We’re in a pretty unique spot,” he said, highlighting the integration of Honda as their new power unit supplier and the development of an in-house gearbox for the first time in years. This adjustment comes alongside new chassis and power unit regulations, marking a significant transition for the team. Clack described it as both a worst-case and best-case scenario, emphasizing the excitement brought by Adrian Newey’s arrival and the shift to becoming a full factory works team.
Acknowledging the late start, Clack expressed pride in making it to the test and noted the positive initial collaboration with Honda. “The relationship is new, and after a long partnership with our previous supplier, there’s a lot to learn about working together,” he said. However, he was optimistic, praising Honda for their racing spirit and willingness to embrace challenges, and looks forward to building a strong partnership moving forward.
Fan Take: This debut is a pivotal moment for Aston Martin and Formula 1 enthusiasts alike, as it signals the beginning of a new era under the guidance of Adrian Newey and Honda power. The innovative AMR26 could shake up the competition, promising greater excitement and fresh rivalries in the seasons ahead.
