TECH WEEKLY: The Aston Martin aerodynamic upgrades that hint at the AMR26’s true potential

F1 technical expert Mark Hughes takes a close look at the intriguing aerodynamic details on Adrian Newey's AMR26, with illustrations from Giorgio Piola.

Technical ContributorsMark Hughes and Giorgio Piola
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 07: Fernando Alonso of Spain driving the (14) Aston Martin F1 Team

Although the beginning of Aston Martin’s season is being dominated by the power unit vibration issues, the aerodynamic development of the radical AMR26 is continuing.

At Melbourne three new features appeared: a new front wing, a change to the floor boards at the outboard ends of the floor’s leading edge, and two extra vanes inboard of there – all of which appear designed to aid the airflow outwash around the front of the car.