Adrian Newey, the legendary Formula One designer, has plunged into an intense creative process as he focuses on building Aston Martin’s car for the 2026 season. At 66, Newey has been described by his wife as entering a “design trance,” a state of deep concentration where all his energy is directed toward crafting a fast, competitive racing machine. His mission is clear: to construct a car capable of winning championships and enticing star driver Max Verstappen to join Aston Martin.
Since moving from Red Bull to Aston Martin last year, Newey has thrown himself into his new role with relentless dedication. Although contractually he only began officially working with Aston Martin this season, he has been fully engaged in developing the car under the new 2026 regulations, which promise to shake up the competitive landscape of Formula One.
Newey’s arrival at Aston Martin is one of the biggest coups in recent F1 history, and it signals the team’s ambition to challenge the sport’s established powerhouses. Central to that ambition is the hope of convincing Verstappen, a four-time world champion and one of the sport’s most formidable talents, to switch teams. However, Newey emphasized that Verstappen’s decisions will be based on performance above all else.
“Max is clearly a phenomenal talent, he’s a supreme competitor, and part of that means that Max likes to break things down to a simple common equation,” Newey explained. “That is choosing a team that he believes will deliver the fastest car. So if we’re to ever attract Max, the first thing we have to do is make a fast car.”
Newey’s reputation precedes him: his designs have contributed to 13 drivers’ and 13 constructors’ championships across several teams, including Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull. His work has helped secure titles for legendary drivers such as Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, Mika Häkkinen, Sebastian Vettel, and Verstappen himself. His expertise and track record make him one of the most sought-after engineers in Formula One.
At Aston Martin, Newey has found a supportive environment to unleash his talents. He praises the team’s facilities, describing the factory as “probably the best factory in F1” and their wind tunnel as “arguably the best wind tunnel in F1.” However, he stresses that while such resources are vital, the key differentiator lies in the human element the skill, creativity, and collaboration of the people behind the designs.
“It’s not really the wind tunnel that makes the difference, it’s the human element of the design you put into it,” he said, highlighting the importance of nurturing the team’s talent to maximize their potential.
Newey’s commitment to Aston Martin is total. He has signed a long-term deal reportedly worth up to £30 million per year and will become a shareholder in the team. This level of investment underscores both his belief in Aston Martin’s potential and the team’s determination to challenge for the championship.
The period following Newey’s announcement that he was leaving Red Bull was marked by speculation and some downplaying of his influence on Red Bull’s current cars, with suggestions he had limited involvement. Newey himself has been clear that his focus and energy are now fully dedicated to Aston Martin and their future.
The project ahead is massive: building a car under new regulations that promise significant changes in aerodynamics and performance. Newey’s “design trance” reflects the intensity of this challenge as he seeks to push the boundaries of engineering to produce a car that not only competes but wins at the highest level.
Ultimately, Aston Martin’s hopes of attracting Verstappen hinge on this success. For Newey, the goal is straightforward to deliver the fastest car on the grid and bring the team to the front of the Formula One pack.
