Aston Martin fires up first 2026 F1 car, marking start of new era
Aston Martin becomes the first team to fire up its 2026 Formula 1 car, the AMR26, signaling the beginning of a new regulatory era for the sport.
Aston Martin has officially fired up the power unit of its 2026 challenger, the AMR26, becoming the first team on the grid to reach this crucial milestone. The team announced the successful start on social media, marking a tangible step forward as Formula 1 prepares for a massive technical reset that will redefine the sport.
Why it matters:
The 2026 season represents one of the biggest regulatory overhauls in recent F1 history, with new power units and aerodynamic rules designed to close the competitive field. Being the first to fire up an engine signals that Aston Martin's project is on track and could provide a psychological edge, putting early pressure on rivals like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes who are all vying for an early advantage in this new era.
The details:
While the announcement was brief, it confirms significant progress behind the scenes at Silverstone.
- New Regulations: The 2026 rules introduce a significant increase in electric power (up to 50% of total power output) and active aerodynamics, fundamentally changing how the cars are designed and driven.
- The 'Fire Up': This milestone refers to the first time the new internal combustion engine is started and runs, either on a dynamometer (dyno) or within a dummy chassis. It's a critical validation of the engine's basic systems, software, and installation.
- Aston Martin's Ambition: The team, backed by Lawrence Stroll's significant investment and a state-of-the-art factory, has been aggressively pushing to establish itself as a top-tier contender. An early start to the 2026 project aligns perfectly with this long-term strategy.
What's next:
The fire-up is just the beginning. The team will now proceed with extensive dyno testing to gather data, refine performance, and ensure reliability before the car is ready for its first on-track run. This early milestone sets a benchmark for other teams, who will now be watching closely as the development race for the 2026 season officially begins.