Aston Martin’s Formula 1 team is already reaping the benefits of having the legendary Adrian Newey on board, according to CEO and Team Principal Andy Cowell. Newey, who recently assumed the role of Managing Technical Partner, has been stationed at Aston Martin’s Silverstone campus since March 3 and is already making a significant impact despite his short tenure.
Newey, who is known for his car design expertise, has been assigned the task of advancing the development of Aston Martin’s 2026 challenger. His incredible knowledge and vast experience in creating championship-winning F1 cars is considered a significant asset to the team. Cowell, speaking to select media outlets including Motorsport Week, ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, highlighted Newey’s immediate influence.
According to Cowell, Newey has been diligently studying the 2026 regulations and contributing valuable input to the team’s ongoing efforts. Cowell also expressed his admiration for Newey’s passion and vast experience, noting that his work ethic has already sparked several insightful discussions about designing fast race cars and making necessary trade-offs.
Newey’s expertise is not just limited to the theoretical aspects; he has also identified specific areas of improvement for Aston Martin’s 2026 car. Cowell did not delve into specifics, but he did hint at Newey’s proactive approach to problem-solving. He shared that Newey’s suggestions have been well-received by the team’s engineers, who are eager to implement his ideas, a phenomenon Cowell dubs the ‘Adrian effect’.
Aston Martin has its sights set on 2026 as the year to take a significant leap in the F1 field. With regulations changing in various areas like powertrains, aerodynamics, chassis, and tyres, it presents an opportunity for any of the ten teams to seize the initiative. Newey, who played a pivotal role in Red Bull’s success following a dramatic rule change between the 2008 and 2009 seasons, is expected to help Aston Martin capitalize on these changes.
Newey’s work so far has been solely focused on the 2026 car, as Cowell revealed. Interestingly, Newey’s famous drawing board method has also been a topic of discussion. Despite the proliferation of Computer Aided Design (CAD), Newey is renowned for hand-drawing his F1 design concepts, a technique considered by some to be outdated. However, Cowell emphasized that the medium is irrelevant; what matters is the ability to communicate creative ideas effectively.
Cowell elaborated on Newey’s drawing skills, noting that he can create 3D representations through hand-drawn sections, aiding in the understanding of aerodynamics. The goal is to bring together a diverse team of experts to create 3D surfaces and to foster a collaborative environment that thrives on effective communication.
The inclusion of Newey in Aston Martin’s team heralds a new era of innovation and competitiveness. His expertise and influence are already apparent, and the ‘Adian effect’ is expected to contribute significantly to Aston Martin’s success in the coming years.