Adrian Newey joins Aston Martin to lead 2026 car with Honda engine

Adrian Newey, the most decorated designer in Formula 1, joined Aston Martin in March and is working intensively at the team’s Silverstone campus to prepare its first car under the sweeping 2026 technical regulations. The move, which adds Newey as managing technical partner to a roster that includes two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, comes as Aston Martin finalises a works engine deal with Honda and expands its engineering ranks ahead of next season.

Team ambassadors and drivers say Newey is already a constant presence at the factory. Pedro de la Rosa, an Aston Martin ambassador, said Newey “did not come to Aston Martin to retire,” adding that the designer is often at his office late into the night and is “inspiring new generations” within the organisation. Alonso has also praised Newey’s influence, calling him “an incredible person, the best designer in the history of our sport” and saying team members often need “all your brain capacity” to follow his explanations.

The importance of Newey’s arrival stems from the extent of the 2026 rule changes. New aerodynamic and power-unit regulations will reshape chassis packaging, introduce active aerodynamic elements and mandate...