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Adrian Newey admits Aston Martin will be starting the 2026 F1 season “on the back foot”.
Adrian Newey has acknowledged that Aston Martin’s delayed start on their 2026 F1 car has put them at a disadvantage for the upcoming season. The AMR26 was unveiled with its official livery after a late track debut in an all-black design during the Barcelona shakedown in January. Newey, who now serves as team principal and chief designer at Aston Martin, disclosed that their car’s development in the wind tunnel commenced four months later than their competitors. He admitted that this delay is likely to impact Aston Martin’s performance as they head into the new season. Despite the setbacks, Aston Martin is working on updates for the car to compete effectively in line with the new regulations and compressed design cycle. The 2026 rules overhaul presents a crucial opportunity for Aston Martin to realize their aspirations of contending for world championships, as affirmed by two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who emphasizes the importance of patience and step-by-step progress for the team to achieve their winning goals.
