Honda president expects 'conflicts' with Newey at Aston Martin

Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe expects conflicts and challenges with Adrian Newey when the top designer starts working for Aston Martin in March 2025. Newey will be working on the 2026 Aston Martin car, which will mark the start of Honda's relationship with the Silverstone-based team. However, the Japanese president believes this will only help the team become the best in the world.

Newey will join Aston Martin in 2025 and contribute to Aston Martin's 2026 car. The rules and regulations - both for engine and chassis - will change drastically for that season, so almost all of the technical attention in 2025 will be on 2026. Newey has worked with Honda at various points in his career, including the collaboration between Red Bull and Honda which has seen Max Verstappen win multiple World Championships.

Speaking to Autosport, HRC president Watanabe is confident the relationship can work. He states that he is happy with Newey's arrival but is prepared for some conflicts.

"While we build the PU and they build the car’s chassis, there are times when our visions don’t always align. In such cases, there are conflicts between what the chassis team wants and what the PU team wants, but together, we’ve managed to create the best car in the world. With Newey now at Aston Martin, I expect similar challenges to arise, but I hope this will lead to the Aston Martin Honda team becoming the best in the world. We’re prepared for some conflicts. Of course, it’s not just with Newey," he said.

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