Aston Martin embracing Adrian Newey culture shift despite testing setbacks

Aston Martin says it is already feeling the impact of Adrian Newey’s leadership, even after a difficult pre season.

The team endured a troubled test programme with its new AMR26, powered by Honda, managing limited running after technical issues in both Barcelona and Bahrain. Fernando Alonso suffered a failure during the shakedown, while Lance Stroll completed just a handful of slow laps on the final day. Further investigations were carried out at the team’s Silverstone base and at Honda’s Sakura facility, with the battery identified as a primary concern.

The lack of mileage has delayed set up work and early performance analysis of the radical Newey designed car, his first project since arriving from Red Bull Racing.

Newey, the most successful designer in Formula 1 history, has been responsible for 12 drivers’ championships, 14 constructors’ titles and 223 grand prix wins. His arrival has already made a strong impression internally.

Team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa explained that while the personnel remain largely unchanged, the clarity of direction has shifted significantly.

“Since Adrian arrived, his leadership is unquestionable,” de la Rosa said. “After a difficult day in Bahrain, he joined the technical debriefs and was very clear about what had to be done. Everyone is now working in the same direction.”

He added that Newey’s presence has been particularly important during challenging moments.

“When things go right, you don’t need a leader. It’s when things go wrong that leadership matters. Having Adrian in the team is a turning point.”

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