For many years, Formula 1 superstar Fernando Alonso had to fight against the cars designed by Adrian Newey in the premier class, but from next season both will work side by side at Aston Martin. He would not describe the design guru as arch rivals.
“We competed against each other for many years. He was more of an inspiration, I would say,” Fernando Alonso replied on Tuesday morning during the official presentation of Adrian Newey as Aston Martin’s “Managing Technical Partner”.
Newey is moving from series world champion Red Bull to Aston Martin and will be able to start work in spring 2025 after the transfer ban ends.
“Thanks to him, his talent and his cars, we have all become better: the drivers, engineers and the teams themselves,” Alonso praised the 65-year-old. “Because of him, we had to raise the bar to be competitive. Today is an incredible day for the team. Lawrence’s (Aston Martin co-owner Stroll, editor’s note) vision is taking shape: with Adrian, Honda, Aramco and the new wind tunnel. It is the team of the future.”
Alonso sees “incredible opportunity”
For the 43-year-old Alonso, the Newey is an “incredible opportunity from a professional and personal point of view” to become even better: “We can learn so much.”
Fernando Alonso had only extended his contract with Aston Martin until 2026 in April, ending speculation about a possible move to Mercedes or Red Bull. The 2005 and 2006 world champion has been driving for Aston Martin since 2023, and in his first season in particular he showed outstanding performances, finishing fourth overall. In the current Formula 1 season, Alonso is in fourth place in the overall standings, with his best result being fifth place at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Adrian Newey has been active in Formula 1 since the early 1980s. After working for Williams and McLaren, he moved to Red Bull in 2006. Since 1992, the cars he developed have won 13 drivers’ and 12 constructors’ titles.
Source: www.sport.de
