Aston Martin have officially revealed their 2025 Formula 1 challenger, the AMR25, ahead of its on-track debut in Bahrain. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll put the car through its paces during a shakedown session. It marks the start of what the team hopes will be a step forward in performance.
This year’s design philosophy incorporates several concepts that proved successful for rival teams in the previous season. This seamlessly integrates them into Aston Martin’s own development pathway. The launch renders provide an initial glimpse of the AMR25. Further refinements are expected when the physical car is seen in action.
Evolution in aerodynamics and chassis design
The front wing of the AMR25 builds on the version introduced at the United States Grand Prix last year. This iteration was part of a broader upgrade package aimed at improving the team’s 2024 campaign. It also serves as a foundation for the current season’s development. Aston Martin claim that this revised design enhances stability across all phases of cornering, with a particular focus on generating additional low-speed downforce. However, the true nature of this upgrade will only be confirmed once the actual car takes to the track.
The AMR25 retains a push-rod front suspension setup, though its individual fairings have been optimised to complement revised aerodynamic flow patterns. Additionally, modifications have been made to the front brake duct system. This includes changes to both the intake and outlet geometries. These alterations allow for improved thermal management of the Brembo and Carbone Industries components.
Sidepod and cooling innovations
Taking inspiration from competitor trends, Aston Martin have introduced an overbite-style sidepod intake. This design, seen on McLaren’s 2024 car and Ferrari’s new SF-25, allows for a more pronounced undercut, elevating the bodywork above the floor to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The overbite effect is achieved through a mid-wing arrangement, with the intake positioned behind it. Meanwhile, the narrower sidepod shoulder exposes the tip of the mid-wing. This enabling it to act as a shedding surface to enhance downstream airflow.
The deep waterslide gullies first seen on the AMR23 remain a key feature. However, they have been modified, with the aim of unlocking additional performance. Internally, adjustments have been made to optimise cooling. The intake redesign is complemented by changes to the sidepod geometry, engine cover, and heat rejection outlets. To ensure effective cooling, the team have likely restructured their radiator packaging, possibly breaking them up into multiple parts or angling them strategically to maintain optimal heat extraction.
Refinements in halo and engine cover design
Aston Martin have adopted Ferrari-style Cobra winglets alongside the halo. This replaces the looped variant seen on the AMR24. This change is expected to improve airflow interaction with the sidepod and engine cover, reducing aerodynamic losses around the cockpit area.
The engine cover itself has undergone a significant transformation. The gradual low-line shark fin has been replaced by a two-part arrangement. It features a short upper fin and a larger wedge-shaped lower fin. The lower section extends over a newly introduced cut-out, designed to aid with heat dissipation. The team describe this as a “jagged, razor-sharp spine,” strategically shaped to straighten airflow before energising it towards the rear wing.
The rear wing design shown in the AMR25 renders appears relatively simplistic compared to some of the intricate solutions fielded by both Aston Martin and their rivals in recent seasons. This suggests that while the renders provide a broad outline of the team’s design direction, further refinements are being held back until the physical car makes its first track appearance.
Key differences between the render and the real car
Aston Martin have developed a reputation for unveiling “proper” cars at launch, as seen with their 2022 challenger. However, for 2025, they appear to have relied on render trickery. The actual AMR25, spotted during a shakedown session in Bahrain, looks distinctly different from the computer-generated images released beforehand.
One of the most notable differences is the front wing. The shakedown images reveal a more tapered nose and an inboard-loaded front wing configuration, where the largest elements are near the nose. This setup creates a smoother airflow transition, benefiting the rest of the car. The rear leg of the upper wishbone is also mounted lower along the chassis flanks. This helps to refine the aerodynamic flow to the floor.
The floor itself remains one of the most crucial, yet hidden, areas of development. Aston Martin focused heavily on floor optimisation during the off-season to create a more predictable and stable car. Given that last year’s AMR24 suffered from rear-end instability, these changes aim to provide a more controllable driving experience for Alonso and Stroll.
Another major area of concern from 2024 was the car’s excessive drag. The AMR23 had already shown signs of this, but it became more apparent with the AMR24, as teams around them progressed. This issue led to complaints from Lance Stroll, notably during the Japanese Grand Prix, where he expressed frustration over the car being “in a different category” compared to its competitors. Addressing this problem has been a priority for Aston Martin, who will hope the AMR25 is far more efficient in terms of aerodynamic performance.
With Formula 1 pre-season testing fast approaching, Aston Martin will get a chance to fully assess the AMR25’s capabilities in Bahrain.
Feature Image Credit: Aston Martin F1 Media Portal
