Adrian Newey has started work on Aston Martin’s 2026 Formula 1 car with full focus, aiming to create a machine strong enough to attract Max Verstappen from Red Bull. The famous car designer, who joined Aston Martin after leaving Red Bull in 2024, said he is working at full speed. He hopes that a fast and reliable car will bring the world champion to the team. Newey, known for designing winning cars, said only top performance will convince Verstappen to make the move.
Adrian Newey joined Aston Martin officially in March 2025. Before that, his contract with Red Bull kept him on hold. Now that he’s free, he is working full-time on the 2026 car. This will be the first car made under the new Formula 1 rules. Newey said he is giving his full energy to the project. He called this stage of his work a “design trance,” a term his wife uses to describe his deep focus when creating new cars.
Newey spoke during his first race weekend with the team at the Monaco Grand Prix. He said Verstappen would only consider leaving Red Bull if the car is good enough to win titles. “Max is a top talent,” Newey said. “He will only go to a team if he thinks it can build the fastest car.” Newey helped make Red Bull the team it is today and helped Verstappen win world titles. He knows what it takes to draw big names. It’s not about words—it’s about results.
Aston Martin sees Newey’s arrival as a big step. Team owner Lawrence Stroll worked hard to bring him in. The designer now has a long-term deal, reported to be worth £30 million a year. He also owns part of the team. Newey has said that his goal is clear: build a race-winning car for the 2026 season.
The car will be made under new technical rules. These changes give teams a fresh start, and Aston Martin wants to use that chance to rise to the top. Newey said he is currently spending “99%” of his time on the 2025 car, but his long-term focus is already on the 2026 project.
The British engineer praised the Aston Martin factory and wind tunnel. He said they are “probably the best in F1.” But he also said machines alone don’t win races. “The real difference is made by people—the ideas and teamwork behind the car,” he explained. He believes the talent in the team, combined with the tools, gives Aston Martin a real chance.
Adrian Newey has a strong history in Formula 1. He has helped win 13 drivers’ titles and 13 constructors’ titles. These came during his time with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull. Drivers like Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Mika Häkkinen, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen have all driven cars he designed.
His move to Aston Martin has made waves across the F1 world. Fans and experts are watching to see if he can help the team become a real threat to Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. The key will be how fast and reliable the car is in 2026.
Max Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028. Still, if Aston Martin delivers a car that can win, the Dutch driver might consider the switch. Newey knows that building a great car is the only way to change Verstappen’s mind.
As the 2025 season continues, all eyes will be on how Aston Martin grows under Newey’s lead. The team hopes his design magic can work once again. If it does, the sport could see a big shake-up in 2026.