Damon Hill tips Aston Martin for 2026 'surprise' under Adrian Newey

1996 World Champion Damon Hill believes Adrian Newey could orchestrate a "surprise" title challenge for Aston Martin in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Hill argues that Newey's unparalleled ability to interpret new regulations will be the key factor as the Silverstone outfit prepares for a major rules overhaul.

Why it matters:

With the 2026 regulations introducing a completely new set of challenges regarding power units and aerodynamics, the grid is wide open for disruption. Newey, historically the master of exploiting rule changes, brings a level of technical leadership that could instantly elevate Aston Martin from midfield contenders to race winners, fundamentally altering the pecking order established by Red Bull and McLaren.

The details:

• Regulatory Mastery: Hill compared the potential situation to Brawn GP's dominant 2009 campaign, noting that Newey is the "master of seeing through the regulations" and can find loopholes others miss.
• Head Start: Although Newey officially joins in 2025, he has reportedly been working on the Aston Martin project for around 18 months, allowing him to shape the car's concept long before his official start date.
• Historical Context: Hill speaks from experience, having won his 1996 championship in a Newey-designed Williams. He highlighted Newey's hands-on approach and technical genius as the driving force behind past successes like the dominant Red Bull RB19.
• Role Evolution: Newey will serve as Managing Technical Partner in 2025 before taking on the role of Team Principal in 2026, consolidating technical and strategic power under one roof.

Looking ahead:

Fans will get their first glimpse of the project's direction when Aston Martin unveils its 2026 livery on February 9. While the car's performance remains theoretical until testing begins, the combination of Newey's expertise and significant investment suggests the team is positioning itself as a legitimate threat to the current top order.