Verstappen Backs Newey's Aston Martin Team Principal Role
Max Verstappen has given his full backing to Adrian Newey's upcoming role as Aston Martin's team principal and managing technical partner from 2026. This significant shift sees the F1 design legend take top leadership for the first time, a move Verstappen believes is logical and will pay off for the Silverstone-based team. Newey's expanded influence is expected to dramatically reshape Aston Martin's competitiveness.
Max Verstappen has fully endorsed Adrian Newey's upcoming role as Aston Martin's team principal and managing technical partner from 2026, a move the reigning world champion believes will be highly successful. This marks Newey's first time leading an entire F1 operation from the top, a significant shift that Verstappen sees as both logical and potentially transformative for the Silverstone squad.
Why it matters:
Adrian Newey, widely considered the greatest designer in Formula 1 history, stepping into a team principal role is a seismic event. His unparalleled technical acumen, combined with direct leadership, could radically alter Aston Martin's trajectory and challenge the established order at the front of the grid. This move signals Aston Martin's serious intent to become a top-tier F1 contender, with owner Lawrence Stroll placing his closest lieutenant in a pivotal, expansive role.
The details:
- Newey will serve as Aston Martin's team principal and managing technical partner from 2026, marking his debut in an overarching leadership position within an F1 team.
- This reshuffle sees current team boss Andy Cowell transition to a chief strategy officer role, part of a broader trend of technically minded individuals ascending to team leadership.
- Verstappen views this shift as a 'logical' explanation, citing the increasing prevalence of technical experts taking on top team roles across the sport.
- Verstappen's perspective: While unsure how much direct car involvement Newey will retain, the Dutchman is 'happy to see that' and 'sure he will do well.'
- During their time at Red Bull, Verstappen noted that Newey's ambition for a team principal role was 'never an option,' as it was never discussed.
What's next:
Verstappen will be observing Newey's new chapter from afar, expressing confidence that Aston Martin will 'benefit of his knowledge at the end of the day.' This move is Aston Martin's latest bold step in its ambition to join Formula 1's elite. If Newey can translate his design genius into effective team leadership, the partnership could become one of F1's most compelling storylines, reshaping the competitive landscape for years to come.