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Aston Martin’s New Technical Era
Aston Martin has welcomed Adrian Newey as its new managing technical partner, and he has quickly aligned his efforts toward the ambitious 2026 car project. Team principal Andy Cowell emphasized Newey’s unwavering focus on future designs despite current performance challenges on the track.
“Adrian’s entire design focus is centered on the 2026 season,” Cowell shared with reporters during an event in Jeddah. With new Formula 1 regulations set to take effect next year, quick adaptation is crucial.
Newey, who joined Aston Martin in March, has been acclimating to the team’s workflows and the regulatory changes that will impact their vehicle development. Cowell noted the importance of meeting tight deadlines for key components like the monocoque and transmission systems.
“To have a vehicle ready for the January testing phase means that significant decisions must be made earlier in the process, and since everything is fresh for 2026, there is no previous data to draw from,” he explained. “Adrian has been dedicating himself entirely to this effort.”
Feedback on Current Designs
When questioned regarding whether Newey had identified any specific design issues with the 2025 car, Cowell indicated that his feedback remained broad and largely related to the tools and methodologies the team employs.
“His insights have been more about the instrumentation we are using rather than any direct performance concerns regarding the 2025 model,” Cowell noted. “However, it is beneficial for Adrian to comprehend our existing tools, including their accuracy and predictive capabilities concerning track performance.”
Modern Facilities and Future Enhancements
As a veteran of innovative design at Red Bull, Newey has expressed admiration for Aston Martin’s advanced facilities, particularly the newly established wind tunnel.
“Adrian has been very positive about our campus and specifically the wind tunnel setup,” Cowell remarked. “He is eager for us to enhance our operational methodologies within the tunnel, and he has ideas for improvements across nearly every facet of our performance. This drive for competitiveness is what makes Adrian such a valuable addition to our team.”
As Aston Martin moves forward under Newey’s guidance, the team aims to leverage his expertise to navigate the complexities of the upcoming regulations while striving for greater competitiveness in the future seasons.
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www.autosport.com