Newey Focuses on 2026 Technical Reset Amid Aston Martin Struggles
During the British Grand Prix weekend, Adrian Newey, Aston Martin’s Managing Technical Partner, made a rare appearance trackside, his first since the Monaco GP in May. Despite his legendary status in motorsport, Newey’s presence was centered on technical development for the upcoming 2026 regulations rather than addressing the immediate issues with the current car.
Fernando Alonso commented on Newey’s engagement during the race weekend, stating, "He’s very motivated. But it’s true that this year’s car doesn’t seem to interest him much." Alonso observed that whenever the team inquired about improvements to the current vehicle, Newey redirected his focus elsewhere, indicating that he is fully committed to long-term strategies.
Historically, Newey has refrained from making significant changes to inherited projects upon joining a new team. His approach at Williams and McLaren saw him quickly shift his focus to future regulations instead of troubleshooting past designs. At Red Bull, he also prioritized restructuring the technical team over immediate technical fixes.
As Aston Martin navigates this transitional period, CEO Andy Cowell faces the challenge of balancing team owner Lawrence Stroll’s impatience with the need for progress on the current project. Recent upgrades, including a new floor for the AMR25, have shown some promise, with Alonso commenting, "The car felt a bit better… It’s always welcome."
The current competitive landscape is tight, with Alonso noting that even minor improvements have substantial implications in a field where five to six cars often compete within two-tenths of a second. He emphasized the team’s drive to close the gap to the frontrunners, stating, "We’re not content being stuck in the midfield."
As the team pushes for advancements, the question remains: will Stroll’s frustration escalate if results don’t improve? Newey is expected to remain steadfast in his long-term vision.
