Adrian Newey Names Two Best F1 Drivers He's Worked With: Senna and Verstappen

Adrian Newey, Formula 1's most acclaimed designer, recently revealed the two drivers who left the biggest impression on him: Ayrton Senna and Max Verstappen. Newey, who has collaborated with a pantheon of F1 greats, highlighted Senna's exceptional curiosity and Verstappen's remarkable ability to perform under pressure as defining traits of their genius.

Why it matters:

Adrian Newey's insights offer a rare glimpse into the qualities that distinguish the sport's elite drivers, as perceived by one of its most successful engineering minds. His perspective carries immense weight, considering his unparalleled track record of designing championship-winning cars for numerous legendary drivers across multiple eras. Understanding what makes these drivers stand out from an engineering viewpoint provides valuable context to their on-track success.

The Details:

• Ayrton Senna's Analytical Acumen: Newey recounted his brief but impactful time with Senna at Williams in late 1993. During a factory tour, Senna immediately impressed Newey with his profound technical curiosity.
  • Senna got 'down on his hands and knees' in the wind tunnel, meticulously examining the rear suspension and questioning its innovative design.
  • Newey noted he had to be 'on his toes to answer his questions,' highlighting Senna's deep understanding and keen interest in the technical intricacies of the car.
• Max Verstappen's Mental Fortitude: Newey lauded current champion Max Verstappen, with whom he has worked for nine successful seasons, for his 'absolutely outstanding' maturity and pressure management.
  • Despite a challenging upbringing, Verstappen possesses an 'amazing' ability to handle and 'soak up pressure.'
  • Newey observed that Verstappen can 'switch off all the noise' when he puts on his helmet, allowing him to focus purely on racing, a trait he finds 'mightily impressive in a sportsman.'
• Contrast with Other Champions: Newey's list of collaborators includes formidable names like Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, and Mika Hakkinen. However, he specifically chose Senna and Verstappen, underscoring their unique impact on his engineering perspective.

The Big Picture:

Newey's comments underscore that beyond raw talent, a driver's engagement with the technical side of the car (as seen with Senna) and their mental resilience (as demonstrated by Verstappen) are crucial for sustained success in Formula 1. These qualities allow drivers to not only extract the maximum performance from their machinery but also to elevate the development process and maintain peak performance under extreme scrutiny.

What's next:

Verstappen's ability to maintain focus amidst external pressures will be vital as the 2025 title race intensifies. Despite a challenging Mexico GP, where Red Bull struggled with altitude, Verstappen is expected to rebound strongly in the remaining four Grands Prix. His consistent performance and mental strength, as highlighted by Newey, position him as a formidable contender to reclaim momentum and challenge for the championship.