Fernando Alonso has branded Adrian Newey an inspiration as the legendary F1 designer confirmed his move to Aston Martin as Managing Technical Partner as he gave his initial reaction to the worst kept secret in the F1 paddock.
Newey will take up his role from 1 March 2025, further strengthening Aston Martin’s leadership team and will also see him become a shareholder in the F1 team.
Newey will lead Aston Martin’s development of their 2026 race car as a full time member of staff, which is a crucial step as F1 prepares for a reset in technical regulations.
“I would say he was more an inspiration,” was Alonso‘s first reaction during Newey’s unveiling. “We’ve been racing each other for many years.
“Thanks to his talent and cars, we all got better as a driver and engineer, team. We all had to raise the bar thanks to him, to be able to compete.
“Today is an incredible day for the team. Lawrence’s vision is taking shape with this new building, with Adrian, with Honda.
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“It is definitely a team for the future. For me, it is an incredible opportunity to work with Adrian and these people that you can learn so much.
“I was talking with Lance a few weeks ago, we had an incredible opportunity to work with everyone at Aston Martin. It is part of our growth on and off the track.”
Alonso to spearhead Newey led Aston Martin
Newey will lead a strengthened engineering division, which includes Dan Fallows, a former Red Bull aerodynamicist, and incoming technical recruits like former Ferrari chassis chief Enrico Cardile, who will assume the role of chief technical officer in 2025, and Andy Cowell, the former head of Mercedes’ engine division.
Alonso, a two-time F1 world champion, will be aiming to make the most of a team being led by Newey who boasts an incredible 12 drivers’ championships and 13 constructors’ titles over his time working with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull.
