Formula 1 is fast approaching launch season, with the 10 teams making plans to take the wraps off their 2021 challengers, ahead of the opening test in March.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic the launches are largely set to be low-key events, undertaken virtually or with social distancing strictly enforced, in order to reduce the risk posed by the virus.
But they haven’t always been soporific affairs – far from it. In the past Formula 1 teams have got their new seasons underway in extravagant fashion.

![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-120x86.webp)

![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-350x250.webp)


![Aston Martin managed its first race finish of 2026 with Fernando Alonso [behind] completing the distance](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Aston-Martin-Honda-Japanese-GP-360x180.webp)

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