P1racenews AI automatic summary:
RacingNews365 technical analyst Paolo Filisetti takes a look at Aston Martin’s AMR26, following its first running in Barcelona.
The Aston Martin AMR26, highly anticipated in Barcelona, was finally unveiled with Lance Stroll behind the wheel today, while Fernando Alonso is set to take over driving duties tomorrow. The extended wait for the car’s debut has proven to be worthwhile, following concerns about inconsistencies between simulator readings and wind tunnel data identified by team principal Adrian Newey during the summer.
The delay in the car’s track debut was primarily due to finalizing approval for a radical aerodynamic package, a hallmark of Newey’s designs, as showcased by initial photographs released by Aston Martin. The AMR26 features unique design elements such as a wide-section nose cone and upward-facing periscope-like air inlets that break away from traditional grid designs.
The sidepods of the AMR26 are highly inclined, short, and narrow, emphasizing an extreme Coke-bottle philosophy with forward-positioned vents on the engine cover and a triangular power unit air intake. Noteworthy features include a substantial shark fin, narrow rear section, and push-rod suspension layouts with multi-link configurations.
Newey’s innovative and original design choices have resulted in a car with countless original solutions, warranting the extended development period. While the design is impressive, definitive judgments on performance capabilities will have to wait until the Bahrain tests.
