Since making his surprising switch from Red Bull, Adrian Newey, the legendary F1 designer, has been keeping his focus razor-sharp at Aston Martin, crafting their 2026 racing machine.
Team principal Andy Cowell divulged that Newey, who has been pivotal in securing 26 F1 World Championships throughout his career, is fully immersed in designing Aston Martin’s next big contender. With the F1 2026 season regulations in mind, Newey has skipped the usual corporate rituals like meetings and emails, choosing instead to concentrate on the core mission: building a fast car. Cowell explains, ‘He’s a racing car designer. One of the best…. We all support that process.’
Arriving at Aston Martin as the managing technical partner and shareholder, Newey joined the team in March, ready to contribute his expertise to the adjustments in chassis and engine regulations earmarked for 2026. Cowell shared, ‘He went straight to work…drawing on the whiteboard,’ underscoring Newey’s dedication to innovation at the factory, the critical hub for the team’s success.
Despite a tough start in the F1 2025 season, where Aston Martin has only secured 10 points in the first five rounds, Newey remains steadfast in his mission for 2026. Cowell is optimistic, pointing out the challenge of aligning complex targets and timelines but is buoyed by the potential a Honda engine partnership could offer. He confidently states, ‘We are fighting very hard to have a fast car in 2026.’
When asked if Newey might be persuaded to aid in boosting the team’s 2025 performance, Cowell’s response was clear and straightforward: Newey’s focus is untouched and remains solely on the 2026 model. With significant deadlines looming and no parts carrying over from prior seasons, Newey’s commitment to future designs promises a fresh start for the team.
As development continues, the anticipation of Newey’s impact on the 2026 grid builds. With the test set for January, the team is racing against the clock to meet early deadlines, emphasizing the importance of strategic innovation and efficient execution.
Adrian Newey’s return to a purely technical role at Aston Martin signifies a commitment to excellence and focus on design ingenuity. As the team aims to navigate the changing landscape of F1 regulations, Newey’s expertise is seen as a cornerstone for their future success. With 2026 as the ultimate goal, Aston Martin is counting on Newey’s legendary touch to carve out a competitive edge.
