Aston Martin has decided to practically end all aerodynamic development of the AMR26 and focus its efforts on the 2027 car. In practice, the 2026 Formula 1 season will function as a long learning phase for the next project.
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According to Enrico Cardile, the changes introduced after Hungary, including adjustments to the front wing and the floor in Zandvoort, represent the last major package planned for this year. “These will be the last aerodynamic developments planned for this car,” he told Aston Martin’s official website.
Cardile left only one possibility open. “The only exception could be if we discover something during the development of the 2027 car that we think testing on track this year would help with the process.” The team still intends to complete the weight reduction program in Baku and, from there, essentially use the final configuration of the AMR26 until the end of the season.
The strategy was adopted after a very difficult first half of the championship. Instead of continuing with small updates at each race, Aston Martin preferred to gather data, understand the problems, and prepare a broader intervention. “It was a bold and correct decision,” Cardile assessed. “By removing the pressure of ‘you need to deliver something in four or five weeks,’ we created space to do something more effective.”
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The engineer highlighted that the car improved especially in race pace and tire management. “The car seems strong especially in race setup. It is gentler on the tires,” he explained. This point gains importance because the AMR26 will serve as the basis for the 2027 project.
Honda will follow a similar line with the power unit. After the update allowed by the regulations, the manufacturer will also focus its work on the 2027 engine.
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