
Aston Martin unveils livery for Adrian Newey's first F1 car with team
Aston Martin has launched the livery for its 2026 F1 car, the Adrian Newey-designed AMR26. The reveal in Saudi Arabia signals a major reset for the team as it enters new technical regulations with a switch from Mercedes to Honda power units, aiming to transform its recent promise into consistent front-running performance.
Aston Martin has revealed the livery for its 2026 F1 car, the AMR26, marking the first Adrian Newey-designed challenger for the team. The launch in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, highlighted a pivotal season where the team switches from Mercedes to Honda power units under new technical regulations.
Why it matters:
This launch represents a major reset for Aston Martin, combining the sport's most celebrated designer with a new power unit supplier at a time when chassis and engine rules change simultaneously. After showing flashes of podium potential in recent years, the team is making an aggressive play to become a consistent front-runner, with Newey's holistic design philosophy aimed at unlocking that next step.
The details:
- The green and black livery was unveiled in Dhahran as part of a collaboration with title sponsor Aramco, a significant partner for the team's future.
- The season has begun with a slight delay, as the team missed a day of pre-season testing in Barcelona.
- With physical testing continuing in Bahrain, the team used a show car for the launch event.
- Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were present alongside Team Principal Adrian Newey and owner Lawrence Stroll.
- Newey emphasized the unique challenge of the 2026 season, stating, "With brand new regulations, the best philosophy is never immediately obvious, and your understanding evolves as the car develops."
- He described the AMR26's design as a "holistic approach," focusing on strong fundamentals, development potential, and a car both drivers can consistently extract performance from.
What's next:
All eyes will now turn to the AMR26's on-track performance. The team will continue its testing program in Bahrain before the competitive truth is revealed at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 5-8. The success of Newey's first Aston Martin project and the new Honda partnership will define whether this ambitious reset translates into a tangible leap up the grid.