Bookmakers are backing Aston Martin to make a huge step forward under the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations and with Adrian Newey now leading the team. The legendary engineer and designer, who moved over from Red Bull in 2025, is now steering Aston Martin into the future.
Bookmakers are backing Aston Martin to make a huge step forward under the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations and with Adrian Newey now leading the team.
The legendary engineer and designer, who moved over from Red Bull in 2025, is now steering Aston Martin into the future. His first big job is shaping their 2026 car, and he’s also taking over as team principal from Andy Cowell.
Owner Lawrence Stroll has made significant investments behind the scenes at Silverstone, including upgraded facilities and several key hires. With Newey leading the way and Honda supplying engines, there’s plenty of optimism around what this team can achieve.
The team finished seventh in the constructors’ championship in 2025. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll struggled with inconsistency and reliability issues, but Alonso still managed a top-10 finish in the drivers’ standings.
Alonso is excited by what’s coming together for 2026. He believes Newey could be exactly what they need to help push them forward again, just as they were back in 2023 when he first joined.
How Adrian Newey’s regulation expertise could make Aston Martin the surprise of 2026
Newey has a reputation for keeping his best ideas under wraps until the season begins. That approach is expected to continue at Silverstone, with Aston Martin counting on his track record.
The 2026 rules are expected to mix up the order. When asked about a potential surprise, Damon Hill pointed to Aston Martin, highlighting Newey’s history of thriving during major regulation changes.
“Yes, you could. I mean, we could see a complete surprise,” Hill told Talksport. “Something like when Jenson Button won with Brawn, they surprised everyone because they saw through the regulations.
“And the master of seeing through the regulations is Adrian Newey, who’s gone to Aston Martin. He left Red Bull and Max Verstappen behind and Christian Horner has left that team.”
Hill added: “He’s gone off to Aston Martin. He’s been working on this project now for a good 18 months or so. So, we’re sort of expecting him to wave his magic wand over Aston Martin. It could happen.”
Honda’s 2026 engine already raising concerns for Aston Martin
While Newey’s experience will be important for Aston Martin, the project’s success may ultimately hinge on Honda. The Japanese manufacturer helped Red Bull to title wins, but there are no guarantees that their power unit will be as strong under the new regulations.
Recent comments from Honda president Koji Watanabe haven’t eased those doubts. He admitted the company is “struggling in many areas” with its power unit development.
Honda’s confidence in their 2026 engine took a hit after news emerged that Aston Martin may have overlooked a loophole that Mercedes and Red Bull have capitalised on. The team now faces questions about whether they’re already playing catch-up before the season has even started.
Aston Martin know how demanding Alonso can be, having once called McLaren’s engines “embarrassing” during his time there. With the amount of money put into this project, he’ll want results next season.
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Category: General Sports
