Newey Opens Up on Health Struggles as Aston Martin Eyes Hungary Lifeline

Adrian Newey says he is doing "ok now" after battling health issues through what he described as a "difficult period." His revelation comes as Aston Martin limp toward a major car upgrade at the Hungarian Grand Prix, desperately seeking to escape a nightmare start to the 2026 season that has yielded just one point in seven races and placed Fernando Alonso's future with the team in question.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin entered Formula 1's new era with championship ambitions, pairing Newey's design pedigree with Honda's works engine deal, yet they have routinely been the slowest package on the grid. Newey's health struggles last year contributed to a delayed start on the AMR26, exposing operational gaps that left the team flat-footed when the regulations reset. With Alonso out of contract at season's end, the next few races represent a make-or-break phase to prove the project is viable.

The details:

• Health battles: Newey revealed he was "not 100 per cent" last season and had to balance his health against work commitments. He credited the team's adaptability for ensuring it did not cause a major disruption during the design phase.
• Design delays: Newey admitted the team "probably put too much expectation" on themselves for 2026. Delays in starting the AMR26 design, combined with the team not yet being operationally strong enough, left them chasing rivals from the outset.
• Honda's struggles: The works power unit has suffered from vibration and reliability issues alongside a general lack of performance, compounding the team's woes.
• Hungary overhaul: Rather than bringing small race-by-race updates, Aston Martin held back for one large package debuting in Budapest. The chassis and gearbox architecture remain largely unchanged, but both have been put on a diet requiring re-homologation and fresh crash testing.
• Aero and suspension: The upgrade features a new nose, substantially revised aerodynamic surfaces, and a slightly revised rear suspension. Newey predicts a "large step" in performance but avoided quoting lap time figures, citing simulation tools that are not yet fully correlated.
• Simulation deficit: Newey pointed out that the team historically under-invested in core physics and engineering simulation tools. That infrastructure is being rebuilt now, though the full payoff will not arrive until later in the year.

What's next:

The Hungarian Grand Prix at the end of July has become Aston Martin's most critical weekend of the season. If the upgrade delivers as promised, it could be the proof Alonso needs to sign on for 2027, with Newey stressing the two-time champion wants to see "clear, tangible progress." The team is also working to ease the internal pressure by focusing on medium- and long-term processes rather than frantic, short-term fixes.