Fernando Alonso has hailed Adrian Newey as an “inspiration” following the confirmation that the legendary Formula 1 designer will be joining Aston Martin as Managing Technical Partner and shareholder in 2025. The move, which had been the worst-kept secret in the F1 paddock, marks a major coup for Aston Martin, who are aiming to establish themselves as world championship contenders.
Newey, with his unparalleled record of 12 drivers’ championships and 13 constructors’ titles, will officially start his new role on March 1, 2025. He will be tasked with leading the development of Aston Martin’s 2026 race car, a crucial project as F1 prepares for a significant reset in technical regulations.
In his initial reaction, Alonso, a two-time world champion, expressed his admiration for Newey, saying, “I would say he was more an inspiration. We’ve been racing each other for many years. Thanks to his talent and cars, we all got better as a driver and engineer, team. We all had to raise the bar thanks to him, to be able to compete.”
Alonso emphasized how Newey’s arrival aligns with the ambitious vision of Aston Martin’s executive chairman, Lawrence Stroll. “Today is an incredible day for the team,” Alonso added. “Lawrence’s vision is taking shape with this new building, with Adrian, with Honda. It is definitely a team for the future. For me, it is an incredible opportunity to work with Adrian and these people that you can learn so much from.”
Newey will also lead a reinforced engineering team, which already includes former Red Bull aerodynamicist Dan Fallows and soon-to-join technical recruits like Ferrari’s former chassis chief Enrico Cardile, and Andy Cowell, previously head of Mercedes’ engine division.
With Alonso and Newey leading the charge, alongside Aston Martin’s new works partnership with Honda in 2026, the team is positioning itself as a formidable contender. For Alonso, who will be aiming to capitalize on Newey’s expertise, the move represents a golden opportunity to push for more titles in the twilight of his career.
As Aston Martin continues its push to the front of the grid, Newey’s experience and proven track record with teams like Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull make him a game-changer in their quest for world championship glory.
