This week Aston Martin announced that Adrian Newey would be the Formula One teams new principal. Those of you that have been following formula one over the years would know Newey as the top car designer most teams were fighting for his signature a couple of seasons ago.
Newey left Red Bull in May 2024 having spent nearly 20 years with the team and was one of the main reasons why the team was so successful. Formula One is more about the car than the driver and if you combine a great driver like Vettel and Verstappen with the right tools then constructors championships and world driver titles will follow.
Newey had to sit out the remainder of the 2024 season on what they would call gardening leave. His in put into the 2025 season car would have been minimal from a design point of view as these cars are developed a good 8-10 months in advance.
If you were a driver with Aston Martin next season you would be seriously exited as not only has Newey had full control of the 2026 race car and knows every nut and bolt, but he will now be leading the team. Newey is known for his attention to detail hands on approach so there is no one better to lead the team.
Newey has skin in the game as he was given an estimated 5% share holding of the team when he joined over and above his £30 million per year salary excluding win bonuses. The race weekend with the car set up is where the drivers and team will benefit with Newey now in total control.
There can be nothing more ideal than having your chief engineer/designer in charge on race weekend as he will know how to eek out maximum performance without having to find the information from others. Lawrence Stroll the team owner will have no worries with Newey in charge and can see Aston Martin challenging for podiums next season.
Honda engines are partnering with Aston Martin from 2026 which is significant considering Newey and Honda's relationship whilst at Red Bull. Honda were going to leave Formula One and Newey now at Aston Martin would have swung the decision to stay in Formula One knowing the chances of winning more titles is back on the cards.
I don't think anyone saw this announcement of Newey becoming the team principal and even Newey himself must have been a little shocked. Newey is 66 and from someone who said they were thinking of calling it a day to what will be his biggest role ever demanding even more of him.
Being a shareholder/owner in the team ultimately means a bigger pay day if the team is successful and Newey being a perfectionist the results will follow. This year with Newey has been about the design and development for the 2026 race car without having to worry about the 2025 car. I am certain he has had a hand in a few of the 2025 upgrades along the way this season, but he will be judged on the 2026 performances only.
No other car designers would have been offered a percentage of ownership what Aston Martin have given him and this making him the man in charge is a genius move. As the team principal he can without asking for permission or advice change things on the fly as he sees fit and this is a big advantage for the team. Newey is a proven winner and it is no wonder Alonso was over the moon when he was announced as the teams technical director/designer and now team principal. Everyone should expect big things next year and seeing the team labelled as one of the champion favorites would not be too far fetched either.