Adrian Newey reveals insights behind Aston Martin’s AMR26 design

The British engineer, who serves as managing technical partner and team principal for the Aston Martin F1 outfit, revealed how the concept behind the design of the 2026 car for the Silverstone team was developed.

"We took a really close look at the regulations and what we believe we want to achieve from a flow field perspective to suit them, and from there started to evolve a geometry that attempts to create the flow fields that we want. It's very much a holistic approach," Newey explained via the Aston Martin F1 website.

Despite his confidence in the car’s concept, Newey tempered expectations, acknowledging the uncertainty inherent in new regulations.

"But, in truth, with a completely new set of regulations, nobody is ever sure what the right philosophy is," he added.

Further expanding on the reason behind his cautious optimism, the 67-year-old continued:

Pressed further about whether the AMR26 design was an aggressive interpretation of the 2026 rulebook, Newey continued:

"I never look at any of my designs as aggressive. I just get on with things and pursue what we feel is the right direction," he said.

"The direction we've taken could certainly be interpreted as aggressive. It's got quite a few features that haven't necessarily been done before. Does that make it aggressive? Possibly. Possibly not," he concluded.

The AMR26 was the last car to hit the track during the five-day Barcelona test, sparking significant buzz. Many observers have noted that the car clearly reflects Newey’s signature design philosophy.

Former 1996 world champion Damon Hill has even predicted that Aston Martin could challenge the front-runners as the new season begins.

Earlier, Fernando Alonso touched on the mood of the Aston Martin team after its 2026 car hit the track in Barcelona.

The veteran Spaniard detailed the energy and motivation the new car has instilled in the team, describing it as one of Newey’s key traits.