The Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team has officially unveiled its 2026 F1 Academy livery with Mathilda Paatz set to represent the Silverstone-based team in her first full season in the championship.
The striking design reflects the team’s AMR26 F1 livery and carries the iconic Aston Martin racing green onto the F1 Academy grid. As a result, the team strengthens its visual identity across categories while reinforcing its commitment to developing young talent.
“It looks incredible” – Paatz impressed by Aston Martin-liveried F1 Academy machine ahead after productive 2026 pre-season tests in Shanghai
Paatz experienced the new livery for the first time during official pre-season testing at the Shanghai International Circuit between 11–13 February. She drove the F4-spec car operated by PREMA Racing as she began preparations for the 2026 campaign.
Reflecting on the moment, she said: “Seeing the Aston Martin Aramco livery on the car for the first time was really special – it looks incredible and instantly made me feel part of the team.”
Furthermore, she acknowledged the challenge of adapting to a new car and environment. “Driving the car for the first time during pre-season testing in Shanghai, I learned a lot,” she explained. “It was something new for me to adapt to, and I’m working well with the team at PREMA to become more familiar with the car.”
Although the three-day test presented difficulties, Paatz focused on progress rather than pressure, and by the final day, she has felt tangible improvement. This has helped her set her expectations for the 2026 F1 Academy opening weekend in March.
“There were challenging moments across those three days, but as a team, we’re pushing hard in preparation for the first race in China. By day three, I was already becoming more comfortable on track, and so I’m keen to get racing next month. I’m not setting my expectations too high, but I’m feeling confident – my goal is to do my best and have a clean weekend that I can be proud of.”
2026 F1 Academy challenge a key step in Paatz’s development
Paatz joined the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy in November 2025 before securing her place on the 2026 F1 Academy grid. Alongside her new programme, she continues to compete in other single-seater categories, underlining her determination to accelerate her development.
After progressing from karting success to competitive F4 campaigns across Europe, she now prepares for her first full F1 Academy season. Consequently, with Aston Martin Aramco’s backing and PREMA Racing’s experience behind her, she enters 2026 ready to take another significant step in her career.
