Aston Martin secured their best result of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the recent Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Fernando Alonso finished eighth, marking a significant upturn in performance for the Silverstone-based team. This outcome highlighted a specific area where the AMR26 demonstrated superiority over Ferrari during the race.
Adrian Newey, who assumed the roles of Team Principal, Technical Director, and co-owner at Aston Martin in 2026, has been central to the development of the AMR26 chassis. His arrival in March 2025 was specifically timed to influence the new 2026 regulations.
The season had presented initial challenges for Aston Martin. Early performance was hampered by significant Honda power unit vibrations and an overall deficit in downforce. These issues led to a slow start, with the team positioned tenth in the Constructors’ standings earlier in the year.
Newey had previously confirmed a substantial upgrade package for the AMR26, introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this season. This comprehensive update included a notable weight reduction, a redesigned nose, and extensively revised aerodynamic surfaces.
During the Malaysian Grand Prix, which was affected by heavy rain and a delayed start, Alonso observed a distinct performance advantage. He reported being ‘even faster than the Ferraris’ at one stage, specifically when pulling away from Lewis Hamilton on slick tyres in mixed conditions.
This specific performance in challenging conditions suggests an effective application of Newey’s aerodynamic expertise. The 2026 regulations feature active aerodynamics, incorporating movable front and rear wings to manage downforce and drag dynamically.
Ferrari also competed strongly in Malaysia, with Lewis Hamilton securing third place and Charles Leclerc finishing fourth. Ferrari has implemented its own series of upgrades throughout the season, including major packages at the Miami and Barcelona Grands Prix.
The Malaysian Grand Prix result provides Aston Martin with crucial momentum. It validates the technical direction under Newey and demonstrates the potential of the AMR26 as the season progresses.
