In a surprising turn of events, Aston Martin Racing landed their newest team member, Adrian Newey. After much speculation the rumours are finally put to rest. Adrian Newey will be wearing Aston Martin’s racing green.
He is starting from the 1st March 2025. Red Bull’s loss turns into Aston Martin’s gain. But for one man to be at the centre of all the success he has achieved with McLaren, Williams and Red Bull, will Adrian Newey’s calibre be enough for one man to transform a team who is hungry for success? Let’s find out…
What is Adrian Newey’s Position at Aston Martin?
Currently Adrian Newey is the Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull Racing. So does that mean he will have the same title at Aston Martin? No. Sky Sports F1 covered the key question regarding Adrian Newey’s transition to Aston Martin stating:
“Newey will join Aston Martin in March 2025 as a Managing Technical Partner and will become a shareholder in the Aston Martin F1 team.”
Wait! Does this mean Adrian will have a corporate position into the team? No. This means Newey will be at the helm of the 2026 car development which is all we know so far. Most likely we will see Newey in the Aston Martin paddock next season.
Aston Martin Racing to Win Races in 2025? Unlikely!
For Aston Martin to start delivering race wins from the start of the season in 2025 is a tall order. As Newey will have two weeks to transition into the team and then head for the seasonal opener in Australia. This does not guarantee that a team currently sitting in fifth place in the constructors will shoot to the top of the table after the 2025 Australian Grand Prix.
But Adrian’s entry to the Silverstone-based team can be considered a morale boost for the team heading into the 2025 season. Also, the 2025 season will also be an opportunity for Adrian to gel with the team and assess Aston Martin’s strengths and weaknesses as the car continues to evolve over the season.
What about 2026?
Aston Martin’s chances in the 2026 Formula 1 season become even with every team on the grid due to the new regulations. However, one change that may hurt their chances is their shift from going from a Mercedes engine to a Honda-powered engine. Why? In an interview with Williams Team Principal, James Vowles, it is to be confirmed that Mercedes will have the advantageous power unit going into the 2026 season:
“In 2026, we have one of the best power units, if not the best power unit, coming to our car…”
With Aston Martin Racing walking away from Mercedes and partnering with Honda comes its own unique set of challenges. But for Aston Martin to walk away from a supposed advantageous engine, comes with risk. However, what’s to say that Aston Martin signing Newey is a calculated move. Given Newey’s experience with the Honda-powered engine has delivered championship success given with his past experience with Red Bull Racing. But certain expectations takes time to blossom. And we can only wait to see.
What is next for Aston Martin Racing?
For now Aston Martin will have to cherish this celebration, put down the champagne as Formula 1 heads to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Whereas their chances to claim championship glory, does look more promising within 2026. But for now Adrian will return to the Milton Keynes-based team and Aston Martin can only wait patiently for their £20 million investment to join on the 1st of March 2025.
For what to expect in the 2025 season, is for Aston Martin to establish a need to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses while Adrian Newey picks away at what areas to develop more effectively and make the tough decisions on what needs to change on the car.
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “Upcoming Formula 1 Movie: Everything You Need To Know” or “Adrian Newey and Aston Martin: A New Partnership for 2025”
