Aston Martin team boss Mike Krack has likened Adrian Newey, the Formula 1 design legend, to Star Wars’ Jedi Master Yoda, expressing unshakeable confidence in the team’s revival under his guidance for the 2026 season. After a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw Aston Martin slump to fifth in the Constructors’ standings with only 94 points, Krack is betting big on Newey’s arrival to steer the team back on course.
From Slump to Stardom: Newey’s Arrival Heralds a New Era
Aston Martin’s fortunes have taken a dive since their breakthrough 2023 season. Their points tally dropped by a staggering 186 points in 2024, leaving the team adrift of the top teams. However, Krack believes that with Adrian Newey onboard, supported by Chief Technical Officer Enrico Cardile and the team’s brand-new wind tunnel set to go live in 2025, the Silverstone-based outfit is poised for a comeback.
When asked by a fan about the potential impact of Newey, Krack leaned into the “Yoda” analogy:
“I think Adrian will be the force to bring us forward, but I like the analogy [to Yoda],” Krack quipped. “The new simulator is really like Star Wars. All in all, I think it’s a great step forward for us. And once it is fully in use, I think it will be a great benefit.”
Balancing the Present and the Future
Krack explained the delicate balance the team must strike between the upcoming 2025 season and the major regulation changes slated for 2026.
“At the moment, it’s full steam ahead with 2025 but with an eye on 2026,” he noted. “And we will have Yoda soon helping us and his force, so nothing can go wrong for 2026.”
This dual focus underscores Aston Martin’s ambition to ensure short-term competitiveness while preparing for the seismic shifts in the sport’s technical landscape.
Fernando Alonso: The Key to 2026 Success
A critical part of Aston Martin’s long-term plans is securing Fernando Alonso on a multi-year extension. The veteran Spaniard has been the driving force behind the team’s resurgence since joining in 2023, delivering six podium finishes in the first eight races of his inaugural season with Aston Martin. However, 2024 was a different story, with the AMR24 failing to compete at the sharp end of the grid.
Krack is optimistic that Alonso, paired with the AMR26—a product of Newey’s and Cardile’s expertise—will help Aston Martin recapture their early 2023 magic.
“Unfortunately, this year we did not have much to sing about, and that is not good,” Krack said, referencing the team’s iconic chant, “Oh Fernando Alonso.”
“Let’s try to do our best so that we can cheer and sing that song again.”
The Road Ahead
While 2025 is expected to be a transitional year, the arrival of Newey and the activation of the team’s new facilities signify a bold step forward. With one of the sharpest minds in F1’s history on their side, Aston Martin is aiming to turn 2026 into a landmark season—one where they hope to challenge the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari consistently.
As the team gears up for its most ambitious era yet, the expectations are monumental. But with Adrian Newey at the helm, the force might just be with them.
