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Aston Martin: Adrian Newey in a “Design Trance” for 2026 F1 Car Development

Aston Martin: Adrian Newey in a “Design Trance” for 2026 F1 Car Development

Summary
Aston Martin has made an early, aggressive pivot to the 2026 F1 regulations, with design legend Adrian Newey at the helm. Since joining in March, Newey has entered a “design trance,” focusing intensely on the new car's core architecture and detailed designs. This strategic move, despite potential short-term challenges for 2025, underscores Aston Martin's ambition to become a championship contender with Newey's unparalleled expertise.

Aston Martin has fully committed to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, becoming one of the first teams to do so. This early pivot, while potentially leading to a “painful” 2025 season, is a strategic bet on future success, largely spearheaded by the legendary Adrian Newey. Since his arrival in March, Newey has been entirely focused on the 2026 car, reportedly entering a “design trance.”

Why it matters:

Aston Martin's aggressive shift to the 2026 regulations and the acquisition of Adrian Newey signal a serious intent to challenge for the championship in the new era. Newey's unparalleled track record in designing championship-winning cars, combined with the team's early focus, could provide a significant advantage as F1 undergoes a major technical overhaul.

The Details:

  • Early 2026 Focus: Aston Martin began its full attention on the 2026 regulations early this year, a move team principal Andy Cowell admits might make 2025 "painful."
  • Newey's Arrival and Role: Adrian Newey joined Aston Martin in March, setting up his iconic drawing board in his glass-walled office. His focus has been exclusively on the 2026 car, with only minor input on the 2025 challenger.
  • "Design Trance": Cowell confirmed that Newey is indeed in a “design trance,” a state his wife previously described, indicating his deep, focused immersion in the 2026 car's development.
    • Cowell highlighted Newey's "exceptionally focused, extremely driven, single-minded" approach, noting his impressive attention to detailed designs.
  • Engineering Acclaim: Aston Martin engineers are reportedly highly impressed by Newey's ability to grasp the overall architecture of a car and balance competing systems, calling him "the best in the industry." His "first principles engineering approach" is also widely admired.
  • Roles of Newey and Cardile: While Newey concentrates on the detailed design and core architecture of the 2026 car (aero, mechanical, suspension), former Ferrari man Enrico Cardile, who joined two months ago, oversees the organizational aspects, growth, and optimization of teamwork. Both maintain a strong, collaborative relationship, with offices next door and frequent shared lunches.

What's next:

Aston Martin's calculated gamble on the 2026 regulations, amplified by Newey's focused genius, positions them as a team to watch closely. If Newey's 'design trance' translates into a groundbreaking car, the 'pain' of 2025 could be a worthwhile sacrifice for future F1 glory. The synergy between Newey's design prowess and Cardile's organizational leadership will be crucial in maximizing their potential for the upcoming regulatory changes.

Original Article :https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-adrian-newey-in-a-design-trance-...

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