Adrian Newey focuses on Aston Martin’s 2026 car development, says Andy Cowell

Dominika Jordan
Mar 18, 2025, 03:46 AM ET

Aston Martin team boss Andy Cowell has confirmed that legendary car designer Adrian Newey will concentrate on developing the team's 2026 car. Newey, who joined Aston Martin after departing Red Bull last year, was recruited by billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll with the aim of transforming the team into a title contender under the new engine and aerodynamic regulations.

"Adrian joining brings a huge amount of experience and a great competitive mindset, and the choice we have made at the moment is that Adrian is working on the 2026 car," Cowell said. "He's putting a lot of effort into that and understanding that."

Newey's expertise will primarily focus on the all-important 2026 car, but he will retain some flexibility to contribute to the 2025 car's development once the season is underway. "Maybe when we've learned where our car is, its strengths and weaknesses, in the opening races, he'll come up with the odd development tweak for the 2025 car," Cowell added.

The team has recently opened a state-of-the-art wind tunnel at their Silverstone factory, a significant upgrade from their previous setup using Mercedes' facility in Brackley. This new wind tunnel is expected to provide critical insights and advantages in aerodynamic development.

"It's been a big project with lots of people working on it, so it's great to see it finally come online as our nominated wind tunnel for development work," Cowell said. "Having everything in one location, the aerodynamicists don't even need to put a coat on to go to the wind tunnel now!"

With Newey's arrival and the new wind tunnel in place, Cowell is optimistic about Aston Martin's future performance. "We believe this new wind tunnel gives us greater understanding and greater mechanisms for understanding the flow physics and the streams going over the car," he concluded.

As Aston Martin gears up for the upcoming seasons, the team's investments in top-tier talent and technology signify a determined push towards competing at the forefront of Formula 1.