Since joining F1 in 2021, Aston Martin has had a bittersweet journey. They were able to compete for podiums in 2023, but fell off their momentum when McLaren came into the picture. However, they could have a more positive future with Adrian Newey, one of the best designers in Formula 1, helping design their future cars. However, it seems Newey is paying almost no attention to the current season.
We first saw Adrian Newey wearing the British green colours in Monaco and then in Silverstone. However, he has not been attending races regularly this year, which is a bit unusual, as he was on the pit wall at almost every race during his time at Red Bull. Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso gives us some insight as to why he hasn’t been attending this year’s races.
Adrian Newey is not interested in the 2025 Aston Martin F1 project
Speaking to Spanish broadcaster DAZN in Silverstone, Alonso spoke about what Newey has been up to in Aston Martin’s Silverstone base.
“He’s working, he’s involved,” Fernando Alonso said.
“He’s very motivated. But it’s true that this year’s car doesn’t seem to interest him much.
“Every time we ask something about this year or how to improve something, he gets up and goes to another office. So he’s already in 2026 mode…”
🟢| Fernando Alonso reveals the Adrian Newey effect and what he brings to Aston Martin!
“His presence in the meeting room is always special.”
Read more to see how Newey is influencing Aston Martin 👇https://t.co/mWNu4hCpvP
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) June 9, 2025
The 2025 Aston Martin car has nothing to do with Adrian Newey. The machine was designed before his arrival, and he wants nothing to do with it, not because he isn’t willing to help, but because he is more focused on the team’s future.
A new set of technical regulations will take effect starting next year. These regulations will force most, if not all, the teams to completely rebuild their cars from scratch. So, having a strong car to kick off the 2026 season will be crucial. This is where Newey wants to focus his energy. That’s why he doesn’t even want to be in the same room when asked about the 2025 car.
The arsenal of weapons helping Adrian Newey build a car
Although Adrian Newey is arguably the best car designer on the grid, he is not alone in designing the 2026 car. Aston Martin has hired Enrico Cardile as their Chief Technical Officer. Cardile comes with a wealth of knowledge from his experience working with Ferrari. He was also Ferrari’s Head of Aero from 2016 until last year.
In addition, Aston Martin is moving away from Mercedes’ power unit and bringing Honda back into the game. The Japanese manufacturer has already proved its success by building championship-winning power units for Red Bull in the current era. Since Aston Martin is the only team Honda supplies, this will allow them to stand out from the rest of the teams.
What Role Adrian Newey Will Play in Shaping Aston Martin’s F1 Future Alongside Fernando Alonso
One other aspect supporting Aston Martin’s 2026 bid is their Silverstone base. They moved into their state-of-the-art facility in Silverston back in 2023. They will be using their new wind tunnel to design the 2026 car with the assistance of top-level minds such as Newey and Cardile.
Given the heap of factors pushing Aston Martin to success for the next cycle of technical regulations, we should expect a strong car next year.
