2026 Aston Martin Formula 1 show car with Honda branding

Aston Martin has become the second Formula 1 team to confirm it will not use its full allocation of testing days for the 2026 season.

The first official tests for the teams’ cars built to F1’s new technical regulations began today at the Circuit de Catalunya, but the Honda-powered team was not among them.

Each team may run for up to three of the first five days. However Williams has already confirmed it will not take part in the test.

Aston Martin confirmed today it will not begin running until at least the fourth day. “The AMR256 will be in Barcelona later this week for its shakedown,” said the team in a statement on social media. “Our intention is to run [on] Thursday and Friday.”

Aston Martin has revealed no details of its new car or livery to date. Honda, which has replaced Mercedes as its power unit supplier, issued images of its RA626H earlier this month alongside an Aston Martin show car (pictured).

F1’s opening five-day test, which it is calling the ‘Barcelona Shakedown’, began today. Seven teams took part: Red Bull and its junior team Racing Bulls, Mercedes and its new customer Alpine, newcomers Cadillac and Audi plus Haas. Along with Aston Martin and Williams, Ferrari and world champions McLaren did not take part in day one. The latter pair are expected to join the test tomorrow.

Although F1 tests are normally open to observers, Formula One Management has imposed a change for the first test of the cars built to the new rules for 2026. It has barred media from covering the test in person and is not permitting fans to attend.

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