P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Adrian Newey will lead Aston Martin into Formula 1’s new power unit regulations, having been appointed as team principal at the end of last year.
Damon Hill, the 1996 F1 champion, praises Adrian Newey as a “master” and believes he can elevate Aston Martin to the front of the grid.
Newey transitioned to Aston Martin in March of last year in the role of managing technical partner, with a focus on the team’s 2026 car design for the new power unit regulations.
Previously instrumental in designing all of Red Bull’s successful race cars, Newey’s move to Aston Martin took a pivotal turn at the end of 2025 when he was announced as the new team principal, succeeding Andy Cowell.
This new role marks a significant first in Newey’s esteemed F1 career, with high expectations that his winning car production record can lead Aston Martin to competitive success.
Hill acknowledges the potential for Aston Martin’s resurgence under Newey’s guidance, drawing parallels to Jenson Button’s unexpected Brawn GP victory in 2009 through strategic interpretation of the regulations.
Hill anticipates a transformative impact from Newey’s expertise, speculating that Aston Martin could surprise the F1 paddock and emerge as a formidable competitor in the upcoming season.
