Qatar GP Day 1: Newey's Aston Martin Move, McLaren's Title Strategy, and Hamilton's Future

The penultimate round of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Qatar Grand Prix kicked off with a day of reactions to major stories following the Las Vegas race. Key discussions ranged from Fernando Alonso's take on Adrian Newey's surprise appointment at Aston Martin to McLaren's championship strategy and Lewis Hamilton's reflections on his Ferrari move.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's long-term aspirations, McLaren's championship hopes, and the FIA's stewarding practices are all at critical junctures. These developments could significantly alter the competitive landscape of F1 in the coming seasons, impacting driver careers and team dynamics. Newey's move to Aston Martin in particular signals a major shift that could elevate the team to a new tier, challenging established constructors.

The Details:

• Newey's Aston Martin Role: Fernando Alonso described Adrian Newey's appointment as Aston Martin team principal for 2026 as a "normal, logical step." Alonso praised Newey's existing technical management within the team and highlighted the combined strength of Newey, Andy Cowell (overseeing the Honda engine deal), and owner Lawrence Stroll.
• Stewarding Debate: Carlos Sainz advocated for permanent stewards who adopt the analytical approach of TV commentators like Jolyon Palmer, Anthony Davidson, and Karun Chandhok, believing they correctly judge incidents "90%" of the time. George Russell agreed on the accuracy of TV analysts but noted their lack of pressure and time, and freedom from strict guidelines, making a direct comparison to stewards difficult. Russell also criticized the current racing guidelines but acknowledged the financial challenge of employing a full-time, experienced stewarding team.
• McLaren's No-Team-Orders Stance: Despite Oscar Piastri being tied with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris holding a 24-point lead, McLaren has ruled out team orders. Piastri confirmed a brief discussion led to a "no" on him supporting Norris, as he still sees himself with a "decent shot" at the title. Verstappen called this situation "perfect" for his own championship bid, while Norris believes Piastri is just as capable as Verstappen.
• Ocon's Braking Issues: Esteban Ocon has struggled with braking, scoring only four points to Ollie Bearman’s 25 in the last five rounds. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu clarified that this isn't a hardware issue, as both cars run identical specifications. Instead, Komatsu attributed it to Ocon's driving style and "feeling problem" under braking, which the team is attempting to mitigate with setup changes, mapping solutions, and exploring different brake materials.
• Hamilton's Ferrari Outlook: Lewis Hamilton clarified his earlier comments about not looking forward to 2026, stating they were made "in the heat of frustration" after a difficult Las Vegas race. He affirmed his excitement for what Ferrari will build next year and his commitment to the team, expressing no regret about his move. Hamilton acknowledged that building and growing within an organization takes time.

What's next:

With the Qatar Grand Prix being a sprint weekend, teams and drivers will quickly transition from Thursday's discussions to on-track action. The upcoming races will be crucial for McLaren's championship strategy and Norris's composure under pressure, as he faces his first true title fight against Verstappen's experience and Piastri's ambition. Ferrari and Mercedes will be looking for strong performances to close out the season on a high note, while Haas continues to address Ocon's braking concerns in preparation for Abu Dhabi. The ongoing debate around F1 stewarding is also likely to continue, with potential changes to guidelines or personnel on the horizon for future seasons.