Fernando Alonso and Adrian Newey have starred in the first meeting between the two since the most successful engineer in F1 history landed at Aston Martin. The meeting had not been announced beforehand: the Asturian driver was at the factory for various meetings and to carry out tests in the simulator, but he took advantage of the visit to meet and discuss the future of Aston Martin.
Adrian Newey, focused on 2026
There are no changes for this season. Nothing changes with the role of Adrian Newey, who is focused on designing next season’s car, when the new hybrid engine regulations come into force. Adrian Newey is focused on building the car, while working hand in hand with Honda, who must have the power unit ready. The combination of the two should make a winning car, an AMR26 that is at the front of the grid, unlike the AMR25, which is currently ninth on the grid.
Alonso and his presence at Silverstone
After three races without a break, the F1 drivers and teams have a few days to prepare for the Miami Grand Prix, which will take place on the first weekend of May. Fernando Alonso is said to have visited the factory to hold various meetings with the engineers still in charge of the AMR25 and to carry out simulation tests. Let’s not forget that Aston Martin has updates planned for the next two Grand Prix races. Added to the poor results of the AMR25 so far this season, the meeting is likely to have focused on how to improve the car’s performance for the upcoming races.
Fernando Alonso has yet to score a point this season: he had to retire from the first two races, and in two of the next three, he produced a masterclass in driving, taking maximum risks to just scrape eleventh place, just outside the points. In the last race in Jeddah, he complained about the difficulties of the car and the risks he was taking to keep it close to the top 10.
“The foundations for the future”
This was the phrase chosen by Aston Martin to describe the meeting between Fernando Alonso and Adrian Newey, the first between the two since the engineer arrived at the Aston Martin factory in March. The phrase is a statement of intent by Aston Martin and represents that the future of the team goes hand in hand with two of the most important figures in the history of F1. With this phrase, they are trying to put an end to speculation about the arrival of Max Verstappen at Aston Martin alongside Fernando Alonso.
In fact, both Fernando Alonso and Adrian Newey had stated countless times before this alliance that they would like to work together. Now they are doing so, and the results will be seen starting next season.
As for the performance of the current AMR25, it does not appear that they have discussed anything beyond the difficulties the team is facing. The meeting was more focused on next year’s developments and how they are approaching the ambitious project that should put Silverstone among the best.
Fernando Alonso and Adrian Newey have already had their first meeting. It is expected to be the first of many and that, between them, they will be able to lead Aston Martin’s project into a new era of motorsport. We will see what the results are of a combination that for many is synonymous with victory.