Aston Martin left Bahrain with many questions. At the moment, the British team does not seem capable of challenging the top teams and even risks starting at a disadvantage compared to its midfield rivals. For this reason, Newey may have to reconsider his priorities ahead of the Australian Grand Prix at the 5.278-kilometre Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne.
The new season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 14-16, but Aston Martin does not appear to be among the frontrunners. In fact, the first laps in pre-season testing were not encouraging, to the extent that Newey, who has just started working with the team, may have to prioritize 2025 over 2026 for the time being.
“I wanted to give Aston Martin the benefit of the doubt,” said Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz during testing. “Lance Stroll was ill, his illness meant Fernando Alonso had to start first. Stroll did half an afternoon, then went home. So they were compromised. It’s a blank canvas waiting for Adrian Newey.”
Kravitz also mentioned a brief conversation with Lawrence Stroll, the team owner, about the car. However, his expression suggested he was not happy with the team’s current position.
According to the British reporter, Aston Martin is unlikely to finish higher than eighth or ninth in the first race of the season. “I placed them eighth, but they could be ninth. They’ve fixed some inconsistencies, but not all of them,” he said.
“Cowell stated that although they are primarily focused on 2026, they might shift the concept team’s efforts from 2026 to 2025 if Adrian Newey believes he can contribute and improve this season. If they arrive in Melbourne and are ninth, dropping from fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, I think Newey will be under pressure to step in.” – he pointed out.
The former Red Bull engineer only started his new role on March 3, and the plan has always been to focus on 2026 and beyond. However, his attention could quickly shift to 2025 at the start of his tenure.
Ted Kravitz also speculated on which team could take fifth place from Stroll’s squad in Melbourne. “Williams seems to have a good package. Their two drivers can put them ahead of Alpine. So I’d say Williams first, then Alpine.”
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