Adrian Newey, the master designer of Formula One, is urging everyone to embrace a mindset of exploration and adaptability as he unveils his latest creation, the AMR26. But is his approach too controversial for the racing world?
The AMR26's debut flight from Birmingham to Girona on January 28th, aboard a vintage Antonov, sparked a global frenzy. The world eagerly awaited the reveal of Aston Martin Aramco's 2026 F1 car, and the team's mechanics worked tirelessly to prepare it for its track debut at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. When the car finally emerged, it left everyone in awe.
In an exclusive UNDERCUT interview, Newey reveals the design philosophy behind the AMR26. He explains that the team closely examined the regulations and their desired flow field objectives, then evolved a geometry to create the desired flow fields. But he admits that with new regulations, no one can be certain of the right approach.
Newey, despite his legendary status, confesses that even he isn't sure of the best interpretation of the rules. The team chose a specific direction, but only time will tell if it's the right one. He doesn't view his designs as aggressive, but acknowledges that others might interpret them that way due to their unique features.
When asked about his favorite part of the car, Newey emphasizes the importance of the holistic package. He believes that no single component will make the difference; it's the synergy of all parts working together that matters. The car's standout feature is that there is no standout feature, as every element contributes to its performance.
Newey delves into the design process, starting with the overall packaging and the positioning of the car's main masses. He highlights the crucial role of the front and rear suspension in manipulating the flow field, as well as the distinctive front wing and nose shape. The sidepods and the rear treatment are significantly different from previous designs, and Newey is eager to see how their solutions compare to those of other teams.
The tightly packaged nature of the car, a signature of Newey's designs, required close collaboration with mechanical designers to achieve the desired aerodynamic shapes. This challenging task pushed the team to new heights, showcasing their commitment to innovation.
The AMR26's late appearance at the Barcelona Shakedown is attributed to the simultaneous changes in power unit and chassis regulations, a first in F1 history. The team faced a compressed timeline, with the AMR Technology Campus still under development and the CoreWeave Wind Tunnel becoming operational in April. Newey's recent arrival in March 2025 further contributed to the time constraints.
Despite the challenges, the team is optimistic about the car's potential. They aim to create a vehicle with significant development possibilities, avoiding the pitfall of early optimization that limits future growth. Newey's renowned ability to translate driver feedback into performance improvements will be put to the test with this new generation of cars.
Newey's dual role as Team Principal doesn't alter his approach. He believes in leading by example and fostering a culture of continuous development at all levels. The team's partnership with Aramco, a key player in the new power unit regulations, is pivotal. Aramco's expertise in fuel development, along with Valvoline's oil expertise, is essential for Honda's power unit development and the team's overall success.
Newey is excited about the potential of sustainable fuels, which Formula One is embracing. He acknowledges the current cost challenges of synthetic fuels but believes that production techniques will improve over time. Newey also highlights the importance of a holistic approach to energy solutions, emphasizing that no single technology will solve all problems.
The CoreWeave Wind Tunnel, a state-of-the-art facility, is a game-changer for the team. Newey praises its sophistication and its ability to enhance their aerodynamic research. The tunnel's integration with CoreWeave's technology, including advanced measurement techniques and AI software, allows for more precise flow analysis and manipulation.
As the season progresses, the AMR26 will evolve significantly. Newey encourages an open-minded approach to innovation, emphasizing that the car that finishes the season in Abu Dhabi will be vastly different from the one that starts in Melbourne. The team's journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and the endless possibilities in Formula One design.
