The Aston Martin AMR25 has finally hit the track in Bahrain, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz. While the team’s social media teasers and presentations have been intriguing, it’s the on-track performance that really matters. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have had a taste of the new car, and although they’re not giving away too much, the excitement is palpable.
The changes in the AMR25 are evident, particularly when compared to its predecessor. The novel pontoons feature a new cooling structure, and the ground effect is very different from that of the AMR24. It’s worth noting that the AMR24’s ground effect was one of the most talked-about issues last season, with the team struggling to get it right. The changes made to address this problem will be closely watched, especially after the significant updates made to the car during the Mexican Grand Prix.
According to Fernando Alonso, the team has learned from their experiences in 2024 and is using that knowledge to drive improvement in the current season. Team leader Andy Cowell has also emphasized the importance of not wasting time and has brought in new faces to help move the team forward. This includes the involvement of Adrian Newey, who, although not directly working on the project, will undoubtedly have a significant influence on the team’s strategy.
One of the most striking aspects of the AMR25 is its very short front wing, which features a highly committed flap and a nose attached to the first element. These design choices will be closely scrutinized, especially in comparison to the approaches taken by other top teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
As the team takes to the track, the next step will be to see how the AMR25 performs. Fernando Alonso has already cautioned that this season won’t be like those of the past, with teams able to make significant gains throughout the year. The tests, while important, shouldn’t be the only indicator of a team’s potential. The green team, with Adrian Newey’s influence, will be one to watch, and it will be interesting to see how they balance their focus between the current season and the upcoming 2026 regulations.
For now, the base of the AMR25 looks promising, and with Newey’s expertise and the team’s newfound determination, the possibilities are endless. As Alonso and Cowell have made clear, Newey is a free agent, and his input will be crucial in shaping the team’s strategy. The races will ultimately dictate what to expect from Aston Martin this season, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see how the team performs.