Fernando Alonso denies Aston Martin's team boss change linked to poor 2025 results

Fernando Alonso has dismissed suggestions that Aston Martin's decision to appoint Adrian Newey as its new Formula 1 team principal for 2026 is a reaction to the team's disappointing 2025 season. The two-time world champion insists the leadership change is part of a long-term strategic vision, not a panic move prompted by on-track struggles.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin's announcement marks the third team principal change in just 12 months for the Silverstone-based squad, raising questions about stability within Lawrence Stroll's ambitious project. Despite massive investments in personnel like Newey and state-of-the-art facilities, the team finished a disappointing seventh in the 2025 constructors' championship. Alonso's perspective as the lead driver provides crucial insight into whether this represents strategic planning or reactive management.

The details:

• Alonso directly refuted the idea that poor results influenced the decision: "2025 is a challenging season for us, no doubts. But to be honest, this is not removing the long-term view of the team."
• The Spaniard revealed he was regularly consulted by team owner Lawrence Stroll about the impending change, stating they communicate weekly by phone and meet daily at races.
• Alonso emphasized his advisory role: "We are always in the loop on what Lawrence thinks. He asks opinions on what will be best for the team, what is missing. So we are very involved always on everything that they are thinking."
• Newey will take over from current team boss Andy Cowell, who will transition to a chief strategy officer role. Cowell himself was a high-profile hire from Mercedes' powertrain division.

The big picture:

Aston Martin's aggressive recruitment drive has seen them secure some of Formula 1's top technical minds, yet this hasn't translated to consistent performance. The team's highest finish in 2025 was Alonso's fifth place in Hungary, highlighting the gap to front-running teams. This leadership shuffle occurs as the team prepares for the next regulatory era, suggesting Stroll believes structural changes are necessary to unlock the potential of his substantial investments in personnel and infrastructure.

What's next:

Newey's promotion represents another chapter in Aston Martin's ongoing transformation under Stroll's ownership. All eyes will be on whether this latest managerial change can provide the stability and direction needed to elevate the team from midfield contenders to genuine front-runners. With Alonso confirming the decision was part of a considered, long-term plan rather than a reactive measure, the pressure will be on the new leadership structure to deliver improved results starting in 2026.