Adrian Newey, one of Formula 1’s most influential design masterminds, officially started his role at Aston Martin last month. Initially brought in to shape the team’s vision for the 2026 season, Newey now finds himself potentially forced into an earlier-than-planned intervention due to Aston Martin’s poor 2025 season start.
A Vision for 2026, A Crisis in 2025?
When Newey began working at the Aston Martin factory, he made it clear that his focus would be on understanding the team's structure and preparing for the 2026 regulation overhaul. But the lackluster results of the current season might derail those long-term ambitions. With only 10 points collected in the first two races via Lance Stroll, the team suffered a significant performance dip in Japan.
Technical Flaws and Aerodynamic Shortcomings
The AMR25 has shown clear signs of inconsistency. According to Fernando Alonso, the car lacks the pace even to qualify in the top 18. “We are not fast enough for the top 10 — maybe not even for the top 18,” he told Spanish media. The car’s lack of grip and poor straight-line speed, combined with its sensitivity to wind changes, suggest a flawed aerodynamic concept. Alonso’s trip into the gravel trap during Friday practice further highlighted these weaknesses.
History Repeats Itself for Newey?
This isn’t the first time Newey has found himself in such a position. In 2007, when he joined Red Bull, he initially tried to understand the existing car but soon focused all his energy on designing the next one. Similarly, at McLaren in 1997, he wanted to concentrate on the new project but had to spend time fixing the current car instead.
In his autobiography, Newey notes, “I must believe what I’m drawing is the next big step. If I don’t believe that, it never works.” He also emphasizes the importance of knowing when to walk away from unproductive directions — something he sees many of his peers struggling with.
Instability Within the Team
Under Lawrence Stroll’s leadership, Aston Martin has had a hard time maintaining personnel stability. The team recently parted ways with several key figures and recruited Enrico Cardile from Ferrari as technical director — a move accompanied by a legal dispute. Additionally, Newey has reportedly been appointed to an even higher-level role, hinting at a shift in the team’s technical hierarchy.
Patience or Panic?
The internal atmosphere at Aston Martin is increasingly tense following disappointing race weekends. This makes it more likely that Newey will be pulled into the 2025 project sooner than expected. However, this could risk wasting his talent on fixing a fundamentally flawed concept. With Lawrence Stroll’s well-known impatience, the path the team chooses in the coming months may define their future — for better or worse.