Fernando Alonso has shared his excitement after taking the new Aston Martin AMR26 for its first laps during the Barcelona Shakedown. The Spaniard highlighted the significant impact of designer Adrian Newey on the team. He described the experience as special amid major changes for the squad ahead of the 2026 season.
The Barcelona Shakedown marked a key moment for Aston Martin as they unveiled their AMR26 car under new technical regulations for 2026. While many teams began their programs earlier in the five-day event, Aston Martin opted to run on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday afternoon, Lance Stroll completed the car's maiden laps, followed by Alonso accumulating further mileage on Friday.
Emerging from the car, Alonso expressed satisfaction with the session. "It was good. Definitely excited to be back in the car after the winter, and for us it’s the first day," he said. "I know some other teams did filming days or shakedowns at the beginning of January and then the whole week here in Barcelona, but for us it was really the very first days, so I think we had a positive one, 60+ laps and the car is responding well. First day, and more to come."
The debut held added significance as the AMR26 is the first Aston Martin designed by Adrian Newey, who joined the team last year and will serve as Team Principal. It also launches the squad's partnership with Honda. Alonso noted the intense preparation: "The last two weeks has been very, very intense, the factory trying to have the car ready and we just made it to Barcelona in the last two days. A tremendous effort from everyone."
Reflecting on Newey's influence, Alonso said: "It was very special, yesterday with Lance and today with me in the car... the first car made by Adrian and together with Honda and Aramco and these new rules." He added that Newey's presence motivates the team: "Everyone is super motivated when we see him in the garage taking care of all the details... He’s teaching us always something."
This shakedown sets the stage for Aston Martin's 2026 campaign, with pre-season testing upcoming in Bahrain.
