Aston Martin has unveiled the AMR26, its new car for 2026. Lance Stroll spoke after the presentation, upbeat about his first impressions and — despite the major regulation changes — sees opportunities for a strong season. Stroll did stress, however, that there is a challenge for all teams.
After a sixteenth place in the 2025 championship for Stroll — six places behind his team-mate Fernando Alonso — the Canadian is aware of the challenges the new rules bring. “The regulations for 2026 represent a big change and are a real challenge for every team,” Stroll said. The driver also emphasised that the car marks a special milestone for the team. It is the first car to come out of the completed Silverstone campus and it is the first collaboration with engine supplier Honda.
‘Upgrades will keep coming’
According to Stroll, the goal is to continue introducing performance upgrades throughout the season. “It’s fantastic to be working with Adrian Newey and with so many talented people at Aston Martin, who are doing everything they can to make that possible,” the driver said.
The new Aston Martin immediately turns heads with its radical design. Newey has made striking choices for the front wing, sidepods, engine cover and both front and rear suspension. That concept, however, caused the team to fall behind during the shakedown in Barcelona. Only on Thursday did the AMR26 run for the first time, with Stroll at the wheel. “Our shakedown went well, which is important with a new car. It gave us a solid first feeling,” Stroll assured. Team-mate Fernando Alonso took to the track with the new car a day later.
‘Exciting year for the fans’
The next test is nearly upon us; from Wednesday 11 February to Friday 13 February there will be a three-day pre-season test in Bahrain. “There we want to gather as much information as possible ahead of the first race in Melbourne,” Stroll explained. The version of the AMR26 shown now is said to be an initial specification. Newey let it be known via Aston Martin that the team will appear in Australia with an even more aggressive design. “It promises to be an exciting year for the fans,” Stroll concluded, tellingly.
