HONDA The Power of Dreams

From January 26, 2026, a shakedown of the new-regulation Formula One cars was conducted at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. Of the five days allocated for the test, each team was permitted to run for up to three days.

Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team (AMAF1) completed its shakedown running on January 29 with Lance Stroll, followed by Fernando Alonso on January 30.

Honda has powered AMAF1’s new car, the AMR26, with its new-regulation power unit, the RA626H, marking the first on-track running of the package.

On January 29, late in the day, the AMR26 took to the circuit in an all-black livery. Its tightly packaged form gave the car a distinctive appearance. Stroll completed four laps while assessing the car’s condition and initial feel. After slightly abnormal data was detected, a precautionary measure was taken and the car was brought to a stop on track, concluding the day’s running.

On January 30, Alonso began running at approximately 9:30 a.m. The team focused its test program on mileage accumulation and reliability checks, completing a total of 61 laps across the morning and afternoon sessions.

“The first time driving a new car under new regulations is always special. Formula One has experienced many changes over the years, but the direction of a new car can be felt very quickly. At this stage, the highest priority is to secure sufficient mileage, and we were able to complete a solid program. This is still a very early phase, and there is a lot of work remaining ahead of Melbourne in March.”

“A huge amount of effort went into preparing this car, and I would like to thank everyone involved for all the work that was put in ahead of this shakedown. Although the running was limited, it was good to get behind the wheel for the first time and gain an initial feel for the car. I’m looking forward to driving it again in Bahrain.”

“Running a new car on track for the first time is always an important step. Getting the AMR26 on track here in Barcelona required a tremendous effort from the teams working both at the AMR Technology Campus and trackside, and I would like to thank everyone involved for achieving that. Having both drivers in the car and gathering valuable feedback and data is a crucial part of our pre-season preparation. It was also a very productive test in terms of continuing to build our working relationship with our new factory partners, including Honda. We will use the knowledge gained here to continue developing the AMR26 ahead of the Bahrain test.”