Fernando Alonso shares his thoughts on Adrian Newey’s limited impact on the AMR25 for this season.
- Adrian Newey, fresh from Red Bull, joins Aston Martin but won’t significantly influence this year’s car.
- Next year’s regulations are where Newey’s expertise is expected to shine, not in altering the current AMR25.
- The focus remains on future innovations, despite Alonso’s acknowledgment of minor improvements.
- Aston Martin strives for perfection in every race to fight for points, according to Alonso.
Fernando Alonso has candidly stated that Adrian Newey’s influence on the Aston Martin AMR25 is expected to be minimal this season. Despite Newey’s renowned prowess in car design, Alonso suggests that his arrival at Aston Martin is more strategic for future developments rather than immediate enhancements. Newey transitioned from Red Bull to Aston Martin in early March 2025, a move seen as potentially game-changing for the team’s competitiveness, yet Alonso remains realistic about the short-term impact on the current car model.
Newey’s role at Aston Martin is both expansive and strategic, serving as a managing technical partner and holding a stake in the team. His arrival aligns with the completion of Aston Martin’s infrastructure upgrade at its Silverstone hub, featuring a new wind tunnel and simulator facilities. However, with Formula 1 on the cusp of transitioning into a new regulation era, Newey’s primary focus seems to be on the cars of the future rather than making sweeping changes to the existing AMR25. Historic performance under rule changes bolsters Newey’s reputation, such as his successful designs for Williams and subsequent triumphs with Red Bull.
Alonso noted in Japan that while Newey is involved with the current car, significant changes aren’t expected this year. “I think he’s more focusing into next year’s car,” Alonso remarked, indicating that while Newey keeps tabs on races and factory meetings, his bold ideas are reserved for the cars of the future. However, Alonso acknowledged Newey’s ongoing conversations to enhance the car modestly, implying incremental improvements could occur without drastic redesigns.
Alonso has faced challenges this season, with two retirements across the first two races. His teammate Lance Stroll, meanwhile, has been the sole contributor to Aston Martin’s points tally. Alonso believes that seizing every race opportunity is crucial, emphasizing the need for flawless execution every weekend to score points in a tight competitive field. He mentioned that the team has been ‘fighting for points’ and hinted that the dynamics of the circuit influence performance, requiring adaptation as seen in races like China and Australia.
Alonso expressed that while improvements have been made in vehicle consistency, challenges remain, particularly in slow corners. The Spaniard is optimistic about the car’s reliability across various tracks but acknowledges that perfecting setups and strategies remains key. Drawing lessons from previous seasons, he stressed the importance of finishing the season strong, aiming to consolidate consistent performances and strive for fifth place by year’s end—a target that echoes the team’s dedication to steady advancement.
Ultimately, Fernando Alonso is focused on maximizing the current car’s potential while looking forward to the anticipated advancements that Newey’s expertise will bring for future seasons.
