Adrian Newey is fully focused on designing Aston Martin’s 2026 Formula One car with the goal of attracting Max Verstappen away from Red Bull. Since officially joining the team in March, Newey has been deeply involved in creating a car that can compete for championships under the new 2026 regulations. He described his work as a “design trance,” showing his intense dedication to the project during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.

Newey, who left Red Bull in 2024, has spent most of his time concentrating on building a car fast enough to appeal to top drivers like Verstappen. To convince Verstappen to switch teams, the car must be the fastest on the grid. Verstappen is known for his focus on performance, and Newey understands that winning championships is key to attracting him.

Despite claims that his role had diminished at Red Bull, Newey has committed fully to Aston Martin with a long-term contract reportedly worth up to £30 million per year. He also holds shares in the team, highlighting his commitment to its success. Newey praised the Silverstone facilities, calling them the best in Formula One but emphasized that success depends on how well the team uses the tools available.

Adrian Newey has a historic record in Formula One, having designed cars that won 13 drivers’ titles and 13 constructors’ championships. His work with teams like Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull helped drivers such as Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen win world championships. Now, under the leadership of team owner Lawrence Stroll, Newey aims to transform Aston Martin into a title-winning team.

The 2026 regulations bring major technical changes to the sport, including new aerodynamic rules and power unit updates designed to improve racing and competition. Newey’s experience is crucial for Aston Martin as they adapt to these changes. If successful, the team could challenge Red Bull’s current dominance, potentially influencing Verstappen’s future decisions.