Aston Martin’s 2026 challenger hasn’t turned a competitive wheel in anger yet, but inside the Silverstone factory the mood is already crackling with electricity.
And if one long-time insider’s words are anything to go by, the Adrian Newey-designed AMR26 isn’t just another car rolling off the line – it’s on “another level” altogether.
Neil Zambardi-Christie, a veteran fabricator with a quarter-century of Formula 1 builds under his belt, has lifted the curtain on the project with a burst of unfiltered enthusiasm.
His verdict on the Newey-overseen machine? Nothing short of glowing – and delivered with the kind of pride that only comes from sleepless nights, blistered hands and years spent chasing perfection in carbon fibre and titanium.
A Masterclass in Modern Engineering
Sharing his raw enthusiasm on LinkedIn, Zambardi-Christie didn't hold back:
“AMR26 - my 25th F1 car build, but my first "Newey" car. There's been some great cars over the years (and a couple of shockers) but this one is on another level,” he wrote.
“The design and attention to detail is incredible, but what's more impressive is the way in which the entire team has risen to the challenges created by the designs and timeframes involved."
©Aston Martin
The highly skilled fabricator was quick to point out that while Newey may have been the architect, the cathedral was built by a collective that has pushed itself to the absolute limit.
From the high-stakes engineering offices to the very floor of the Silverstone campus, the mission has been singular.
“Every single member of staff has had a hand in this, from the factory cleaners, right up to the technical directors, because it's a team effort and everyone should be proud of what we've created,” he added.
“A lot of people have worked crazy hours for months on end to get to here and the strain on them and their families and loved ones gets massively underestimated, but their commitment and dedication and sheer bloody hard work is what's got us to this point.
"So they deserve way more credit than they'll probably ever get, but it's a big thanks from me to all my colleagues. A fantastic team effort that I'm proud to be part of.”
As the AMR26 begins its validation process on track with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, the ultimate question remains: will the speed match the radical engineering and aesthetics?
Zambardi-Christie certainly seems to think the ingredients for a "good year" are all there.
“Time will tell if it's any good,” he said. “But if it goes as fast as it looks, we could be in for a good year...”
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