Insider from Aston Martin Discloses Exciting 2026 Vehicle Information Following Adrian Newey's Arrival
Aston Martin is gearing up for an exciting new era in Formula 1, with the development of their 2026 car underway. The team's reserve and development driver, Jak Crawford, has been at the forefront of this ambitious project, offering insights into the fast-paced progress being made.
Crawford, who has driven the simulator version of the team's 2026 car, finds it thrilling to be part of such a significant level of rule change in Formula One. He shared that he has never gone through this extent of rule change in Formula One as a driver.
The 2026 regulations mandate significant changes, including a smaller and narrower car, active aerodynamics replacing the current drag reduction system, and reduced downforce compared to previous cars. However, the reduction in downforce is less drastic than initially planned, amounting to a 15% reduction in downforce[1].
One of the key features of the 2026 Aston Martin F1 car is the return of a flat floor without underbody tunnels, substantially changing airflow patterns and car behavior[5]. This is part of an effort to reduce porpoising and improve overall race performance.
Adrian Newey, renowned for designing some of the most iconic F1 cars, is leading the development of the 2026 car. Newey is pushing the boundaries by integrating multiple advanced features into compact spaces on the car model, challenging and inspiring the engineering team[3][4].
Technically, the 2026 regulations require new approaches in chassis, aerodynamics, power units, transmission, and the involvement of new partners like Honda and Aramco. Aston Martin has set very tough targets to remain competitive[4].
Crawford has been involved in the wind tunnel data analysis for the 2026 Aston Martin F1 car, as well as the continued development of the current Aston Martin F1 car, the AMR25. He has spent a lot of time in the simulator for this purpose[2].
Despite the advancements in simulation, Crawford acknowledges that the 2026 Aston Martin F1 car simulation does not fully represent how the car will feel in the actual race next year.
Crawford competes in Formula 2 and is aiming for a full-time F1 seat in the future. He finds it a privilege to be part of the 2026 Aston Martin F1 project, expressing that his role is to play a part in the project and see things others aren't getting to see[6].
Notably, Aston Martin has partnered with Honda for their power units, starting from the year 2023. However, the 2025 season will be the last year for Aston Martin F1 to use power units supplied by Honda[7].
In summary, Aston Martin's 2026 F1 car development is progressing quickly under Newey's leadership, emphasizing highly innovative and compact aerodynamic design solutions within the new regulatory framework that features smaller dimensions, active aero, and substantial changes to the floor design aimed at improving safety and competitiveness in line with the FIA's updated 2026 specs[1][3][4][5]. The team is striving to remain competitive with tough targets, and Crawford's involvement offers a unique perspective on this exciting journey of innovation and change.
Jak Crawford, finding himself intrigued, shares that he's never undergone such extensive rule changes in Formula One as a driver. Amidst the development of the 2026 Aston Martin F1 car, Crawford also engages in the continued development of the current Aston Martin F1 car, the AMR25.
