Alonso sees Newey’s arrival as a logical step for Aston Martin
Spanish driver Fernando Alonso has expressed his optimism regarding the appointment of Adrian Newey as team principal at Aston Martin. According to Alonso, this appointment represents a “logical step” in the team’s ambition to reach the world championship. Aston Martin’s official announcement regarding Newey’s new role, a renowned Formula 1 designer, came after his arrival from Red Bull in early 2025, where he will also take on a role as a shareholder and technical administrative partner. This change in the leadership structure also implies that the former team principal, Andy Cowell, who led Mercedes’ successful engine program in the 2010s, will focus on a role related to power units and collaboration with Honda. The arrival of Newey comes after a challenging season for Aston Martin, which currently occupies eighth place in the championship, despite significant investments by owner Lawrence Stroll in new facilities and a high-level technical team.Alonso added that the change in leadership was consistent with the team’s objectives. He explained that Newey was already involved in managing the technical development of the car and the team, identifying areas for improvement and strengthening. According to the Asturian driver, the combination of Newey at the helm of the chassis and the team, along with Cowell in the engine integration, and the leadership of Lawrence Stroll, places the team in a solid position for 2026.“It’s good news,” Alonso stated during the press day of the Qatar Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso and Adrian Newey, who will be the Aston Martin team principal for 2026.
Newey, recognized for having designed more F1 title-winning cars than anyone, usually seeks the opinion of his drivers on each new project. Alonso, who has waited his whole career to work with Newey, believes that his personality and approach will fit perfectly at Aston Martin.Newey will become the third team principal of Aston Martin in a few seasons. Alonso believes that the rotation in leadership is natural given the project the team has embarked on. “We have a very strong bond in the team. We are very united. The team is in the process of building something special for the coming years,” concluded Alonso.“With Adrian there is only one style, which is performance,” commented Alonso. “An unlimited search for performance and perfection.”
Fernando Alonso
