Aston Martin naming Adrian Newey F1 workforce boss 'logical step'

Double System 1 world champion Fernando Alonso reckons Adrian Newey turning into the Aston Martin workforce principal in 2026 is a ‘logical step’ for the Silverstone squad.

Aston Martin confirmed a restructuring on Wednesday, as Newey will transfer from managing technical associate to workforce boss with incumbent Andy Cowell turning into chief technique officer.

It comes after a disappointing season for the British outfit, which is eighth within the championship and much from the degrees it reached in 2023 with six podiums within the opening eight grands prix.

This yr has additionally not been of the extent that formidable proprietor Lawrence Stroll has anticipated, given he’s invested considerably since taking up in 2018 – then named Racing Level Power India.

Considered one of his largest strikes was signing Newey initially of this yr and the legendary engineer has been working laborious on the 2026 regulation change – with it initially thought that his predominant focus was merely designing the automotive.

So, when Alonso was requested forward of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix if he ever noticed Newey making the transition, the Aston Martin driver stated: “Not likely. We had been discussing extra technical stuff in regards to the automotive than every other factor or future goals, however yeah, it is excellent news.

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Photograph by: Dom Gibbons / LAT Pictures by way of Getty Pictures

“He was, anyway, managing in a method the technical improvement of the automotive, but in addition the workforce, the those that had been wanted and caring for which areas we have to reinforce as a workforce, which different areas had been much less essential.

“So, in a method, he was doing internally a whole lot of administration and Andy was doing a whole lot of administration as nicely on the engine aspect and engine integration to the chassis. It was perhaps a traditional logic step into 2026.”

The transfer comes only a yr into Cowell’s tenure, having beforehand headed the Mercedes powertrain division the place he was essential for its dominant run from 2014 to 2021.

Alonso due to this fact thinks this units Aston Martin up for achievement within the new guidelines period, the place it should develop into a Honda works’ outfit, thus ending its tenure as a Mercedes buyer.

“Now we have in all probability the 2 finest individuals,” the Spaniard added. “One doing the chassis and the workforce, one [doing] the engine integration and the workforce as nicely.

“And we’ve a really sturdy chief with Lawrence, with the willpower that Lawrence has and the dedication that he is proven for a lot of, a few years already.

Lawrence Stroll, Owner of Aston Martin F1 Team

Lawrence Stroll, Proprietor of Aston Martin F1 Group

Photograph by: James Sutton / System 1 / System Motorsport Ltd by way of Getty Pictures

“So between the three of them, I feel we’re in good fingers. Let’s transfer into 2026 with hopefully a greater automotive.”

It’s such expertise that Alonso thinks is ideal for guiding Aston given its rising workforce, having lately opened up a brand new facility throughout the street from Silverstone circuit.

“I feel with Adrian, there is just one fashion, which is efficiency,” stated Alonso, when requested about what his management fashion can be. “There is no such thing as a different phrase. There’s simply the limitless seek for efficiency and perfection. Nice competitor, nice chief.

“So I feel the entire workforce, which isn’t that we’re not into the efficiency route now, however I feel with Adrian, will probably be much more excessive. If we will embrace that method from all people. We can not overlook this workforce continues to be very new and now the workforce grew up so shortly within the final two or three years.

“So a whole lot of our staff are new to the game, are younger, energetic those that we want the steering of Adrian, or these nice leaders, that we’ve to show them what’s the method to achieve System 1.

“Now we have the 2 most profitable people ever within the sport, Andy Cowell and Adrian Newey.”