Aston Martin’s 2026 hopes derailed in brutal Newey update
Adrian Newey at Monaco. Photo: RacePictures.
A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese has revealed that Adrian Newey himself has admitted Aston Martin are "not ready" for such a challenge, including any move to bring in Max Verstappen.
I spoke with Adrian at Goodwood, and he feels that next year they won’t be ready and not raise expectations- Ricardo Patrese.
Speaking to Racing Tipster, Patrese explained that he caught up with Newey at Goodwood, where the legendary designer gave a frank assessment of the team’s position.
"I spoke with Adrian at Goodwood, and he feels that next year they won’t be ready and not raise expectations," Patrese said. "If they come out and they are ready, it looks better for him! But he seemed honest when he said they would not be ready to go for the championship."
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Newey, who joined Aston Martin earlier this year after leaving Red Bull, has been focusing his efforts on the 2026 car rather than the 2025 project.
While Aston Martin have long-term ambitions to lure Verstappen, Patrese suggested Newey was realistic about the timing. "He also said we are not ready to get [Max] Verstappen next year because he doesn't think they can provide him with a winning car.
"This is what he says. Then we will see what will come out. He knows how strong Verstappen is, and if the car has the potential to win the championship, Verstappen can definitely be a choice for Aston Martin."
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Aston Martin know where they stand
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The comments are a sobering update for a team that has invested heavily in facilities and staff, and that will soon link up with Honda for the new engine regulations in 2026.
With Fernando Alonso in the car, Lawrence Stroll pushing hard as owner, and Enrico Cardile now installed as chief technical officer, Aston Martin still have the ingredients to move forward. But Newey’s words underline the scale of the challenge: Aston Martin's ambitious goals, will require patience as well.
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