adrian-newey-with-a-red-bull-demo-car-in-the-background.jpg

Adrian Newey at Monaco. Photo: RacePictures.

Newey's shocking working hours: 'He didn't come to retire'

11:33, 26 Sep

byNorberto Mujica

Adrian Newey, the 66-year-old F1 car designing legend joined Aston Martin in March as managing Senior Technical Partner and is focused on bringing the Silverstone team closer to the front for the 2026 season under the new regulations.

After 19 years at Red Bull, where his cars collected 14 world championships, Newey is putting in serious hours to make it happen, Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa says: “The important thing is that Adrian Newey didn’t come to Aston Martin to retire.

"It’s because he sees the team’s potential. Newey is working... not 24 hours a day, because he sleeps.

"But he sleeps very little, I can guarantee you that. And it’s amazing,” de la Rosa told the Dura La Vita podcast.

De la Rosa highlights the level of Newey’s dedication to Aston Martin. “Any day you go to the factory at any time, you look and he’s in his office.

"Any time, I can even tell you at two in the morning. I’ve gone there at that time to pick up things and leave.

"The Adrian Newey effect isn’t just a marketing hype. It’s a work effect, an inspiration effect, and it’s stretching and inspiring new generations. Everyone is very excited to work and learn with him.”

According to de la Rosa, Newey’s commitment is tied to Aston Martin’s long-term investment in the team.

“Newey came to the team because he sees the potential. Because of the investment, which takes many years to materialise in wind tunnels, CFD testing, etc, the potential is there.

"But we’re going to prove it in 2026. All of this is fine words, but a lifeline speaks volumes.”

How realistic are Aston Martin's chances for 2026?

Premiering a partnership with future engine supplier Honda, Aston Martin will also roll out the first car designed by Newey. Despite the British guru's sterling record, however, there's little guarantee that the British racing green coloured team will be a championship contender.

Former F1 driver, Riccardo Patrese claims to have been told by Newey himself that the team would not be fighting for the loftier prizes next season.

Aston Martin's star driver Fernando Alonso, however, like de la Rosa, is extremely excited about the work Newey is currently doing for the team, so, until the first qualifying session of 2026 it'll be hard to predict who will be at the top of the pecking order. Why not Aston Martin?

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