Aston Martin’s Tech Chief Adrian Newey Emphasizes Team Growth for F1 Success

Renowned designer Adrian Newey, who recently joined Aston Martin as Managing Technical Partner, has expressed his optimism about the team he’s encountered at Silverstone. However, he believes that the squad’s aero department needs to expand to fully realize its potential in Formula 1.

Newey’s Impressions and Vision for Aston Martin

After a brief period in the spotlight at the start of 2023, Aston Martin has struggled this season, with the most recent Miami Grand Prix marking its lowest point. Despite the team’s current challenges, Newey, along with other elite-level recruits, is working tirelessly from Aston’s cutting-edge Silverstone headquarters.

Speaking for the first time since his appointment, Newey praised the dynamic he found at Silverstone but acknowledged that while the team has top-tier equipment, it requires more depth to compete at the pinnacle of F1 racing. “Lawrence’s vision has created a fantastic facility – the best in F1 – but it is crucial that we now optimize how we use it,” Newey said. “F1 is about people. Yes, there is a lot of technology, but it’s people who drive things forward.

Reflecting on his previous team, Newey noted that despite operating from an unremarkable industrial estate with one of the worst wind tunnels in F1, they managed to foster a strong team. “We have many talented people – also areas that need strengthening with greater numbers – and we need to get everyone working together better, using these tools and developing our abilities,” he added.

Newey’s Focus on Aston Martin’s Aero Department

Pointing out one key area for change, Newey highlighted the team’s aero department as an area that could benefit from increased staffing. He explained how the current headcount affects the development of the 2026 car and the challenges presented by a significant regulation change. “It’s always difficult when you have a big regulation change like this, and all teams are resource-limited,” he said. “One area of our team that needs to grow is the aerodynamics department.

Newey emphasized the need to concentrate resources on promising directions while acknowledging the risk of overlooking potential avenues. He also discussed his limited involvement in turning around Aston Martin‘s 2025 fortunes, stating that a small team is still working on this year’s car from an aerodynamics perspective.