Source: Official Team Post via X
Adrian Newey's Keen Interest in Ferrari at Mexican Grand Prix
Adrian Newey, Aston Martin's team principal, was seen closely examining Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari SF-26 on the grid before the Mexican Grand Prix. His interest in rival designs comes as Aston Martin plans a major overhaul for their 2027 car.
Adrian Newey, the celebrated designer and current Aston Martin team principal, was spotted taking a keen interest in Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari SF-26 just before the Mexican Grand Prix. This sighting might raise a few eyebrows, considering Newey's storied history with over 200 race wins and 25 championship titles to his name through his work with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull.
Aston Martin had a rather forgettable weekend in Mexico, with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll retiring early in the race. This marked their fifth double DNF of the 2026 season, leaving Aston Martin languishing in 10th place in the constructors’ standings, with a mere seven points over 19 races.
Newey, who officially joined Aston Martin ahead of the 2026 season, has made it a habit to study rival cars closely. His presence in Mexico followed a similar appearance at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. Known for his analytical prowess, Newey’s observations of the Ferrari SF-26, a car that has already clinched victories in Barcelona and at Silverstone this season, were meticulously noted.
This isn’t Newey’s first foray into examining rival machinery this season. Earlier in the year, he was seen scrutinizing Lewis Hamilton’s car at the Australian Grand Prix and again at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Aston Martin introduced a B-spec version of their AMR26 chassis.
In the Mexican Grand Prix, Leclerc finished fourth, despite a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage off track during a tussle with Hamilton. Meanwhile, Hamilton secured second place behind Max Verstappen, who took the win for Red Bull, with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli completing the podium and clinching the 2026 world championship.
As preparations for the 2027 season ramp up, Newey's investigations come at a time when Aston Martin is planning a significant redesign of their car. Enrico Cardile, Aston Martin's chief technical officer, hinted at a 'completely new car' for 2027 to rejuvenate the team’s fortunes. Their current car’s development was notably delayed, with testing in the wind tunnel starting four months later than competitors.
With minor regulation tweaks on the horizon for 2027, including changes to the balance between combustion and electrical power and adjustments to the chassis rules, Newey is focusing on the critical area known as the 'bib' or 'tea tray' at the car's front. It seems Newey’s grid-side examinations could be pivotal in shaping Aston Martin’s comeback strategy.