Newey’s Brief Presence at British Grand Prix
Adrian Newey made a rare appearance at the British Grand Prix during the Formula 1 weekend. Since joining Aston Martin in March, he has mostly remained at the team’s facility near Silverstone, aside from a visit to Monaco in May and an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Focus on Future Developments
While Newey was seen on the British GP grid with a sketchbook in hand, he remains dedicated to guiding Aston Martin through the 2026 technical changes, rather than addressing issues with the current car. Despite his extensive experience in overseeing championship-winning cars, he is open to learning from others.
Alonso’s Insights on Newey
Fernando Alonso shared with Spanish broadcaster DAZN that Newey is actively involved and motivated, yet seemingly more focused on future projects. “Whenever we ask about this year’s car, he shifts his attention elsewhere, indicating he’s already thinking about 2026,” Alonso mentioned.
Newey’s Track Record of Focus
Alonso’s joking comment highlights Newey’s historical reluctance to engage with projects inherited from previous teams. For instance, at Williams, he often leaned toward his previous designs rather than the ones he was tasked with improving. Similarly, at McLaren and Red Bull, he concentrated on future concepts rather than current cars.
Managing Expectations Amid Rebuilding
Newey’s approach at Aston Martin mirrors his past strategies, as he diplomatically describes the team’s developmental “tools” as lacking. The challenge lies in progressing during this reconstruction phase while managing team expectations, especially given team owner Lawrence Stroll’s known impatience.
Incremental Improvements
Despite some frustrations, progress is being noted. After applying a new floor to the AMR25 in Imola, Alonso noted a positive change, stating, “It’s a small upgrade, but it’s always welcome,” showing the team’s commitment to pushing forward in performance.
Aiming for Upper Midfield Competitiveness
Alonso emphasized the importance of gaining valuable tenths on the grid, particularly when so many cars are tightly packed together. He remarked that the team does not wish to remain in the midfield and aims to close the gap to the top teams by the end of the season, though the team’s trajectory remains uncertain.
