Newey's Swift Impact at Aston? Debate Rages

Debate intensifies as F1 experts question how fast Adrian Newey will influence Aston Martin.

Two well-known Formula 1 figures are divided on how quickly Adrian Newey can make a significant impact at Aston Martin.

Christian Horner recently insisted that even though the sport’s most renowned technical mind left active duty at Red Bull a few months ago, his absence could not explain the team’s loss of dominance.

“The contribution of one man could never be so spectacular so quickly,” stated the Red Bull team boss.

Now that Newey has signed with Aston Martin and will start full-time at the beginning of next March, his fellow engineer Toni Cuquerella cautions that the Silverstone-based team should not expect an immediate boost.

“When Newey arrives,” said the former Ferrari and BMW Sauber engineer, “do not think it will have an immediate impact.”

“The Aston Martin Newey, perhaps the 2026 car, will be a hybrid of the old team and the Newey team. The 2027 car will be the first true Newey car.”

However, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher completely disagrees. In fact, the German believes Newey will start to have an impact almost immediately – even before he officially begins work.

And this despite the fact that, at least in terms of design, the 2024 and 2025 cars will have nothing to do with Newey.

“I am very, very sure, even if he may not officially start until next year, that Aston Martin will make a miraculous leap next year. And maybe even by the end of this year with some good ideas that will be blown in time to correct course before his arrival.”

“Adrian has been spoiled by success but he is also known to guarantee it. That must of course be his goal now. And he has everything he needs at Aston Martin for that.”

Schumacher thinks that Newey clearly lost all desire to remain at Red Bull once internal leadership turbulence began to spread publicly earlier this year.

“Adrian needs certain conditions to do his job,” who knows the engineer well and spends time away from the tracks with him and Eddie Jordan, Newey’s new manager.

“He must feel comfortable, he must have absolute trust. He just wants to do motorsport.”

“He wants to be surrounded by enthusiastic people who have no sensitivities, but one goal: to build fast cars and win races.”