In the world of Formula 1, the name Adrian Newey carries weight, and Aston Martin’s Andy Cowell, team principal, is already witnessing the ‘Adrian effect’ within the first 10 days since the famed engineer joined the team. Newey’s strategic focus on the design of Aston Martin’s 2026 F1 car is evident, although he has yet to switch his attention to the 2025 challenger.
Newey’s official entry into Aston Martin as the managing technical partner, announced in September last year, only took effect on Monday, March 3rd. His immediate impact is unmistakable, with Cowell noting that Newey’s unwavering concentration on the 2026 car project aligns with their shared interests. Newey has been tirelessly crafting designs for the ’26 car, confirming Cowell’s assertions about his work ethic.
In an intriguing revelation, Cowell shared that Newey was immediately immersed in a concept meeting upon his arrival at Aston Martin’s Silverstone facility. Speaking at the Australian Grand Prix paddock to various media outlets, including The Race, Cowell explained how Newey’s influence, dubbed ‘the Adrian effect,’ has already begun to resonate throughout the team.
Newey’s first 10 days at Aston Martin have been remarkably productive, with him delving into the nitty-gritty of the 2026 regulations. His analytical approach, coupled with his ideas and practical contributions, have already started to stir excitement within the team. Cowell lauds Newey’s vast experience and insatiable hunger for success, which have fuelled engaging exchanges about building fast race cars and the inherent compromises.
His rapport with the team’s engineers is already promising, with Newey offering new perspectives and directions that have sparked fresh enthusiasm. Cowell refrained from revealing specifics about these changes, citing competitive reasons, but his smile hinted at the potential improvements Newey has brought to the table.
Newey’s unique approach, favoring the use of a traditional drawing board over computer-aided design (CAD) tools, sets him apart in modern F1. However, Cowell affirms that this method, which easily translates 2D schematics into 3D designs, is rapidly integrating with the team’s workflow.
According to Cowell, Newey’s ability to visually represent his 3D creative thoughts is impressive. His skill in producing 3D-like illustrations enables efficient collaboration with the aerodynamics team, which comprises pure aerodynamicists and experts in creating 3D surfaces. This synergy is essential in successfully communicating within a large team like the aero development world.
Interestingly, neither Fernando Alonso nor Lance Stroll, the team’s drivers, have had a chance to interact with Newey due to pre-season testing and the first race schedules. Newey is expected to continue his focus on the 2026 project this weekend, opting out of the race weekend-related technical meetings via link up, given the significant time zone difference with Melbourne.
In just 10 days, Adrian Newey’s presence at Aston Martin has begun to make waves. As the team navigates the early stages of the 2025 F1 season, there is an air of anticipation about how Newey’s influence will shape the future of Aston Martin racing.
