Adrian Newey names the two best F1 drivers he’s ever worked with
Photo: Race Pictures
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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.
On the James Allen podcast, F1 designer guru Adrian Newey was asked who was the best driver he’d worked with in F1.
The list of formidable F1 drivers Newey has collaborated with grows long and encompasses ex-champions like Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve and Mika Hakkinen. However, none of them are mentioned. Instead he looks back on the three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, whom he worked with at Williams.
“Ayrton, unfortunately, was only a very short relationship,” Newey said alluding to the tragic events that took place on 1 May 1994 at Imola which cut the Brazilian star’s life short at 34 years of age.
Photo: RacePictures.
“I mean, what mightily impressed me, we were talking about drivers having interest outside what they are always doing.
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“So, Ayrton [was signed] at Williams, late 93, and so he came to the factory for the first time, and I was given the privilege of showing, by Frank [Williams] and Patrick [Head], of showing Ayrton around the factory.
“So he got to the wind tunnel, and straight away, he was down on his hands and knees, looking at the back of the rear suspension, spotted that that was a bit different to anything that had been done before, asking all about it. ‘Why had we done this? Why had we done that? What was the purpose of this?’ Etcetera.
“You know, I needed to be on my toes to answer his questions. So I think Ayrton without doubt is outstanding."
Verstappen is 'absolutely outstanding'
The current F1 champion, Max Verstappen was also praised by the winningest designer in the history of the sport, having worked alongside him for a highly successful nine seasons long stint.
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Max Verstappen in Austin - Photo: Race Pictures
He continued: “Max now I think is absolutely outstanding as well. He's not had the easiest upbringing, I don't think that's a secret, but his maturity is amazing.
“His ability to handle pressure, soak up pressure, he seems to have this ability where whatever's going on in his life, when he puts that helmet on and gets in the car, all the noise is switched off and he can just go out and race, which is mightily impressive in a sportsman, I think,” he concluded.
Verstappen's 2025 title charge reignited after Mexico GP dip
Despite the fact he closed the gap by 4 points to the current leader in the championship standings Lando Norris, Verstappen and Red Bull struggled throughout the race weekend in Mexico due to the altitude.
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Nevertheless, with the altitude factor out the window in the four remaining Grands Prix, he and the Milton Keynes-based outfit are expected to come back in full force.
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