Will Adrian Newey's 'bold' Aston Martin shake-up dividends on the track?

The newly designed Aston Martin AMR26 has already turned heads, not just for its striking new look under Adrian Newey, but for its technical audacity. Among all the changes that make the car different from its rivals, the suspension is the feature that has captured the most attention.

Observers have noted how unusual the geometry is, with wishbones placed in ways that challenge conventional thinking. It is a car that clearly carries the signature of one of Formula One's most inventive designers, but whether this extreme approach will translate into on-track success remains to be seen.

Newey's Aero-Mechanical Philosophy

Early analysis shows the suspension design, particularly at the rear, is unlike anything else on the grid. The upper and lower rear wishbones are positioned at unexpected angles, suggesting Newey has prioritised aerodynamic airflow around the rear of the car as much as mechanical performance.

This is a philosophy he has utilised before, where suspension components serve a dual purpose: shaping air to improve the efficiency of the floor and diffuser. The front suspension also departs from the norm, with mounting points and arm lengths designed to manage airflow under the car and into the sidepods. While the double-pushrod layout is similar to other 2026 cars, the geometry appears far more intricate, hinting at Newey's desire to extract maximum aero benefit from every element of the chassis.

Rival reactions: 'Intricate and Extreme'

James Vowles, Williams team principal and a leading voice in F1 analysis, has been among the first to comment on the AMR26. He described the car as "very intricate," joking that Newey has put suspension wishbones in places he did not think they should be.

Vowles highlighted the rear suspension as particularly "extreme", noting that it seems both complex and carefully considered—a piece of engineering designed to challenge conventional wisdom. He emphasised that while the design is striking to look at, only testing will reveal whether it provides a real advantage. "It is unlike anything else on the grid," he said, "and that alone makes it fascinating, but performance is what ultimately counts."

First impressions from the cockpit

Fernando Alonso, who piloted the AMR26 during its limited Barcelona shakedown, provided some of the first insights from behind the wheel. He described the car as feeling balanced and responsive, with a level of grip and stability that allowed him to explore the limits without hesitation.

The shakedown was brief, so Alonso stressed that this was only an initial impression, but he expressed optimism about the potential. He pointed out that the car's handling felt different from previous Aston Martins, hinting at the influence of Newey's suspension philosophy and aerodynamic choices. "The car reacts in a way that is very precise," Alonso said, "and it shows promise for the early races."

The road ahead

The Barcelona shakedown offered only a glimpse of what the AMR26 might achieve. Aston Martin has run the car for a limited number of laps, focusing on system checks, setup verification, and driver feedback. There was no push for outright pace, meaning the true potential of the suspension and aerodynamic package remains largely theoretical.

Adrian Newey has never been one to shy away from bold ideas, and the AMR26 exemplifies his willingness to take risks under new regulations. While the car’s aesthetics and mechanical layout have been widely discussed, the real test will be in Bahrain and beyond.

Every angle, every wishbone, and every aerodynamic surface signals intent and ambition. For the first time in his career, the 67-year-old will serve as both Managing Technical Partner and Team Principal, following his appointment to the leadership role in November 2025.

While some fear this immense workload may be too much to handle, Newey remains focused on his primary goal: turning Aston Martin into a championship contender. Only time will tell just how well his boldness will pay off in his new job.