P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Adrian Newey’s first Aston Martin F1 car design has caught the eye of one of his rivals in the sport, ahead of the 2026 season.
Adrian Newey’s debut Aston Martin F1 car design for the 2026 season impressed one of his competitors in the sport.
Newey, a renowned F1 car designer with 25 world championships under his belt, took on the role of managing technical partner at Aston Martin following his successful tenure at Red Bull.
Hoping to elevate Aston Martin to the forefront of F1, Newey’s primary target is to improve the team’s position on the grid after finishing seventh in the 2025 constructors’ championship.
Williams, Aston Martin’s competitor in the midfield battle, managed to secure two grand prix podiums in 2025 and is aiming for a top-five finish in 2026, facing competition from Aston Martin, Audi, and Alpine.
James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, praised Newey’s AMR26 design at the FW48 team launch, acknowledging its innovative features and hinting at the unpredictable nature of F1 car developments before the season.
The potential partnership between Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso, the seasoned driver looking for a competitive car to return to winning form, adds further intrigue to the upcoming F1 season.
As Aston Martin and Honda, their new power unit suppliers, manage expectations for the season, the true impact of Newey’s design and Alonso’s potential resurgence may not be fully realized until the future regulations reset post-2026.
