Adrian Newey insists his new function as Aston Martin staff principal received’t compromise his time or deal with his F1 design work.
Earlier this weekend, Aston Martin made the shock announcement that Newey would take over from Andy Cowell as staff principal for the 2026 F1 season.
Newey joined Aston Martin as their managing technical companion final 12 months, spearheading their design staff.
Broadly thought to be F1’s greatest-ever automotive designer, Newey can have a key function in Aston Martin’s 2026 challenge.
Aston Martin have closely recruited and invested over time, with proprietor Lawrence Stroll focusing on F1 world championship glory.
Cowell, who had taken over from Mike Krack as staff principal initially of the 12 months, has been moved to a distinct function.
Cowell, the mastermind behind Mercedes’ V6 hybrid engine in 2014, will deal with Aston Martin’s collaboration with Honda from subsequent 12 months.
Given the numerous rule modifications coming in 2026, Cowell’s precedence will now be on coordinating Aston Martin, Honda (PU provider), and Aramco (gas provider).
Talking after dash qualifying in Qatar, Newey defined the explanations behind Aston Martin’s shocking change.
“To be completely sincere, it grew to become very evident that with the problem of the 2026 PU then Andy’s skillset when it comes to serving to the three-way relationship between Honda, Aramco and ourselves is totally his skillset,” he defined to Sky Sports activities.
“He very magnanimously volunteered to be closely concerned in that for the primary half of 2026 however that left ‘okay who’s going to be TP?’. Since I’m going to be going to the early races anyway that doesn’t truly change my workload as a result of I’m there anyway so I could as properly decide up that bit aside from having to speak to you [Ted Kravitz].”
Newey dispels main worry
When Aston Martin introduced Newey as staff principal, there have been considerations that he wouldn’t be capable of deal with what he does greatest – designing quick F1 vehicles.
As staff principal, Newey will likely be required to attend races, converse to the media, and tackle different administration duties.
Newey is assured that taking up the function received’t dilute his time as a design genius.
“That’s actually what I need and have to do,” he added. “That’s what will get me away from bed within the morning. I’m decided to not dilute that.”
Aston Martin loved a powerful dash qualifying session in Qatar, with Fernando Alonso securing fourth on the grid for the dash race.
