Aston Martin’s experienced driver Fernando Alonso has stated that legendary Formula 1 engineer Adrian Newey joining the team will have a much greater impact than Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.
Newey’s deal with Aston Martin, which was announced in September last year, is now on the verge of becoming official. The renowned designer is set to join the team in March, initially contributing to the development of the 2025 car. However, his true influence is expected to be seen in 2026 when the sport undergoes significant technical regulation changes.
When asked to compare Newey’s arrival at Aston Martin with Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari, Alonso gave a clear and decisive response:
“Adrian Newey always has a bigger impact than any driver.”
Emphasizing that drivers come and go, Alonso highlighted the crucial role of engineers in the sport:
“Drivers come and go. We are here to compete at the highest level, and we have all worked hard to reach Formula 1. But in the end, it’s the designers who build these cars.”
While Alonso refrained from making a definitive prediction about Hamilton’s impact at Ferrari, he made it clear that a top-level engineer's contribution is far more significant:
“I don’t know how much Hamilton will contribute to Ferrari, but it will definitely be less than what a designer can bring.”
Given Newey’s incredible career success with teams like Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, Alonso’s statement isn’t surprising. Many believe that Newey’s presence could be a game-changer for Aston Martin, potentially shaping the team’s future for years to come.