Aston Martin has addressed that Adrian Newey’s initial work at the team will be split between improving both its 2025 car and the new rules coming to Formula 1 in 2026.
Having announced last October it had won the race to sign the storied designer’s coveted services, Newey has now begun his role as Aston’s Managing Technical Partner.
The Silverstone-based squad harbours the hope that Newey, who will be paid a reputed £20 million per year, can help turn the side into a championship-contending operation.
The Briton has an illustrious track record having provided the blueprint behind cars that have won a combined 26 F1 titles, including several upon a regulation change.
The latest revamp to the technical rule book is on the horizon, with Newey’s arrival coinciding with Aston Martin’s concept group moving attention to the 2026 venture.
But while that will represent the team’s best chance to cut the gap to the leaders, Aston Martin boss Andy Cowell has insisted his expertise can also be utilised on the AMR25.
“You know, everybody’s super excited to work with Adrian,” Cowell told select media including Motorsport Week in Bahrain. “His record speaks for itself.
“So we’re looking forward to welcoming him on site, doing an induction for a new employee. Might be a little bit different.
“And starting work on introducing him to the key technical players within our business, showing him the business tools for engineering the car, and then getting stuck into creating a 2026 car and helping the improvements on 2025.”
Aston Martin expects seamless Newey adaptation
Newey has come into an organisation that is adapting to a restructuring that took place in response to Aston Martin enduring an underwhelming season last time around.
Cowell, who had been appointed as CEO, has since taken on the Team Principal role, with his predecessor, Mike Krack, being relocated to a trackside-orientated position.
But Cowell, an expert engine guru during his time with Mercedes, has backed the erstwhile Red Bull designer to adapt to his new surroundings in less time than he did.
“I’m sure he’ll get the lay of the land a lot quicker than I did,” Cowell remarked.
Meanwhile, Cowell revealed that the office where Newey will be housed within Aston’s renovated Silverstone campus was all prepared with his renowned drawing board.
“I could show you a photo, but there’s too many of you to look at the image on my phone,” he quipped. “So yes, his office is ready. The drawing board’s there.”
READ MORE – How Aston Martin plans to integrate F1 design chiefs Adrian Newey and Enrico Cardile
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