Adrian Newey Inspects Red Bull RB21 and McLaren MCL39 at Qatar Grand Prix

Adrian Newey, set to become Aston Martin's team principal, was seen inspecting Max Verstappen's Red Bull RB21 and McLaren's MCL39 on the grid at the Qatar Grand Prix. This marks his fourth inspection of the McLaren this season, raising questions about his focus as he transitions into his new leadership role.

Why it matters:

Adrian Newey's departure from Red Bull and his new multifaceted role at Aston Martin, including team principal and managing technical partner, are among the most significant personnel changes in recent F1 history. His hands-on approach, evident in his continued detailed inspections of rival cars, underscores his strategic influence and potential impact on Aston Martin's future competitiveness, especially with their impending partnership with Honda in 2026.

The details:

• New Role, Continued Habits: Newey, who officially left Red Bull in 2024 after two decades, has joined Aston Martin for the F1 2025 season. He will assume the team principal role ahead of 2025, in addition to being a managing technical partner and shareholder.
• Strategic Inspections: At the Qatar Grand Prix, Newey was observed closely examining Max Verstappen's Red Bull RB21. He also meticulously studied the McLaren MCL39 for the fourth time this season, specifically focusing on its rear-right and front-left areas during different sessions.
• Leadership Reshuffle: Current team boss Andy Cowell will transition to Chief Strategy Officer, managing the crucial relationship between Aston Martin, Honda, and fuel partner Aramco, particularly in preparation for the 2026 power unit regulations.
• Newey's Rationale: Newey explained his decision to take on the team principal role, stating that Cowell 'volunteered' to lead the complex three-way relationship with Honda and Aramco for the 2026 PU. Newey noted that the new title would not significantly change his workload, as he would be present at early races anyway.

Between the lines:

Newey's continued grid walk inspections highlight his unwavering focus on technical details, even as he steps into a broader management position. His interest in both Red Bull and McLaren suggests he is absorbing design insights from the current frontrunners to inform Aston Martin's future car development. This blend of hands-on technical scrutiny and strategic leadership indicates a clear intent to drive Aston Martin to the top.

What's next:

Newey insists his new team principal duties will not compromise his core responsibilities in car design and development, especially with work progressing on the AMR25 for F1 2026. If he can effectively balance both roles, his unique expertise could be a game-changer for Aston Martin as they aim to establish themselves as championship contenders with Honda power.