Aston Martin AMR26: Newey amazes with extreme mechanics

It was one of the most anticipated single-seaters and it did not disappoint expectations. Although grainy, the first photos of the AMR26 designed by Adrian Newey show intriguing solutions, both for aerodynamics and for mechanics. The powerful nose, for example, is different from any other on the grid, but what is especially striking is the rear suspension, mounted on the wing supports to work in synergy with the wing. The suspensions Aston Martin has also chosen a push rod scheme for the front suspension, considered by all to be the most suitable for the aerodynamic setting of the new regulations, with the exception of Cadillac and Alpine. The AMR26, however, stands out from its rivals for a very high position of the upper arms, which seem to attach to the wheel hub by means of a raised support (1), similar to the one widespread until 2021. Furthermore, the upper triangle is extremely inclined downwards to guide the flows coming from the wing in the direction of the bottom, competing even with McLaren, one of the most pushed to embrace this solution which involves various design complications at chassis level. At the rear, however, for the first time Aston Martin has fitted a gearbox and suspension made in-house, after having used Mercedes elements for years, an additional opportunity to implement original solutions. The AMR26 also sports a push-rod layout, but what is most impressive is the upper triangle, installed in such a raised position that the rear element engages with the upper wing support (2). This is a very advanced architecture from a mechanical and dynamic point of view, which however allowed the team to exploit the arms for aerodynamic purposes, interacting with the rear wing, also freeing up a corridor for the passage of flows on the sides of the gearbox towards the area behind the diffuser. The front end is intriguing. The ideas on the AMR26 don’t end here. The nose also captures attention, decidedly voluminous and rounded (3), which is difficult to interpret. The hypothesis is that its shape induces a pressure useful for generating more load from the front wing, or that it helps guide the flows under the car in the direction of the surface. In the design phase, however, Adrian Newey usually starts from the weight distribution and the position of the passenger compartment, then trying to streamline the front part of the chassis with a V-shape flared in the lower area to manage the vortices that propagate towards the center of the car. It cannot be ruled out, therefore, that the shape of the nose was designed according to the desired shape of the body, also considering the tightening of crash tests this year. Another peculiarity of the nose is the insertion of the two support pillars on the second profile of the wing, like the Mercedes. Therefore, the movement of the front active aerodynamics is limited to the last flap (5), without taking advantage of the second mobile element allowed by the regulation. Great attention was paid to the packaging of components in the engine compartment, which Adrian Newey already announced in October 2024 would be more important than ever. The vents of the side radiators are squashed as much as possible (6), taking up a solution already present on the 2024 single-seater, useful for hollowing out the lower part of the sides. The air scope above the driver (7), however, is triangular in shape like on the Ferrari, but is decidedly wider. Judging by the shapes of the bodywork, the impression is that Aston Martin has kept several radiators in a central position on the sides of the engine, with the presence of two important vents for hot air. Overall, the AMR26 immediately arouses great curiosity, but its competitiveness will depend above all on that of the Honda power unit.