“I believe there is a great chance we will find ourselves in 2026 with a Formula 1… engine.” This prediction should be taken seriously, as it comes from Adrian Newey. In recent months, the most successful engineer in Formula 1 history has enjoyed a period of relaxation that will end at the end of February. From March, he will wear the green Aston Martin uniform and begin the fifth chapter of his career in Formula 1 at the revamped Silverstone headquarters.
“I will obviously focus on the 2026 project, but I believe Lawrence (Stroll) will ask me to take a look at the 2025 car as well. But today, I really have no idea if I will be in a position to contribute to the development of the car.”
Newey gave a long interview to Michael Schmidt, the highly respected journalist from the German publication AMuS and a long-time friend, reflecting on the events of a very intense 2024, which began with his split from Red Bull and ended with the agreement that brought him to Aston Martin. “If someone had predicted all this to me twelve months ago, I would have called them crazy!” he commented.
Beyond the contribution he can make to a project that is not his (the 2025 car), Newey is the man Aston Martin has chosen for 2026, a season in which the cars born from the new and revolutionary technical cycle will debut. The team led by Lawrence Stroll sees it as the opportunity for a significant leap in quality.
The partners are of absolute value, the Honda power unit, fuel, and all fluids guaranteed by Aramco, and above all, the added value of Newey. But Adrian was very cryptic when asked what he expects from the start of the new era that will begin in twelve months.
“We are in a new scenario,” he explained, “In the past, there has already been a simultaneous change in engine and chassis regulations, but I don’t remember chassis regulations being largely written to try to compensate for those related to the power unit. In this scenario, there is a possibility that an engine manufacturer could come out on top and that it will be a regulation dominated by the best power unit.”
“I believe we could see a dominant combustion engine that will last throughout the new technical cycle because the way the regulations are written makes it quite difficult for those who start behind to catch up. Only if the gap is on the electric front do I think there is really a chance to close a potential gap.”
Newey’s concerns are very clear, and it couldn’t be otherwise, as he personally experienced the technical dominance of the Mercedes power unit during the first seven years of the hybrid era. A frustration that led him to step back from his role at Red Bull to work on the Valkyrie supercar design, until Honda was able to provide an engine close to Mercedes’ power unit performance.
Now Newey will still be tied to Honda, with the hope (not just his) of finding a much more balanced technical field in twelve months compared to eleven years ago.
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