Aston Martin unveiled its modern AMR26 Formula 1 car on Thursday, February 8, 2026, with a design heavily influenced by recently-appointed technical director Dan Farrow. The launch event was particularly emotional for Farrow, who was visibly moved seeing the car on track for the first time.
“Lawrence Stroll and I were close to shedding a tear…” Farrow reportedly said, reflecting on the culmination of the team’s efforts. The AMR26 represents a significant shift in the team’s approach to aerodynamics and chassis design, aiming to provide Fernando Alonso with a competitive machine for the 2026 season.
Yet, initial assessments suggest the new Aston Martin may not immediately live up to expectations. Reports indicate the car has lost some of the performance gains seen in previous iterations. Despite this, the team remains optimistic about its potential for development throughout the season.
During the car’s presentation, a mechanic hinted at the possibility of Alonso challenging for a third World Championship title in 2026. This bold claim underscores the team’s ambition and belief in the AMR26’s underlying capabilities.
The unveiling took place alongside an interview with Raphinha, though the context of his appearance wasn’t immediately clear. The launch event generated considerable buzz within the F1 community, with fans eager to see how the AMR26 performs on the track. The team will be hoping to translate the initial excitement into on-track success as the 2026 season approaches.
