Aston Martin’s Formula 1 journey in 2025 has been nothing short of tumultuous, with just a single notable performance to date—a sixth-place finish by Lance Stroll at the opening Grand Prix in Australia.
Aston Martin, previously a podium contender, now sits at a humble seventh position in the Constructors’ standings. This stark contrast from their 2023 season success has fans and analysts pondering what went wrong. However, the team remains optimistic. With substantial investment from owner Lawrence Stroll and the strategic addition of Adrian Newey as managing technical partner in March, they are plotting a course for future triumphs in line with the new 2026 F1 regulations.
Newey, whose reputation precedes him with championship-winning designs for teams like Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, has joined Aston Martin aiming to influence the team’s performance post-2025. Rather than quick fixes for the current AMR25 car, his complete attention is on the 2026 season, an all-important year for F1 as new chassis and engine regulations, along with a partnership with Honda, take effect. Team principal Andy Cowell emphasized that Newey’s focus remains firmly on these long-term goals, expressing that “100 percent of Adrian’s designing time is focused on ’26.”
Currently, Aston Martin is navigating a challenging setup which sees Newey adapting to their systems, also emphasizing the refinement of aerodynamic surfaces and on-track adjustability. Despite the allure of improving the current car, Cowell alludes to a more strategic usage of Newey’s expertise. Understanding and utilizing the technological tools at their disposal to ensure precision in race predictions is a priority. Newey’s vast experience in systems like aerodynamics and suspension kinematics plays a critical role here—knowledge that is being harnessed, albeit for future cars rather than immediate gains.
Furthermore, Newey has praised Aston Martin’s new facilities, which include a cutting-edge factory and wind tunnel, signifying the team’s commitment to future success. Yet, his drive for improvement hasn’t waned, as he actively seeks enhancements in operational methodologies within these facilities.
While Lance Stroll has been the sole scorer for Aston Martin this season, Fernando Alonso’s lack of points leaves room for speculation on Newey’s potential influence if it were redirected to the current car design. Yet, as Cowell indicates, the focus remains on refining essential tools and strategies rather than direct performance enhancements for 2025.
In essence, Adrian Newey’s role at Aston Martin is rooted in preparing for the F1 revolution in 2026, rather than salvaging the current season. While Aston Martin navigates a challenging period, their vision, buoyed by Newey’s expertise and new facilities, looks beyond 2025 with the aim of reestablishing themselves as formidable contenders in the F1 arena.
