Aston Martin plans major upgrade for Hungarian GP, says Newey
Adrian Newey has revealed that Aston Martin is preparing a significant upgrade for the Hungarian Grand Prix, which could be crucial in convincing Fernando Alonso to stay. The upgrade follows a difficult start to the season hampered by weight and performance issues.
Aston Martin technical director Adrian Newey has detailed the team's upcoming major upgrade for the Hungarian Grand Prix, which he says is vital for driver Fernando Alonso's future with the team.
Newey attributed the team's poor start to the season to a combination of factors: designing the car late due to his arrival in March last year, and organizational processes that were not fit for purpose. The team is now overhauling its working methods.
He admitted the chassis is significantly overweight, partly due to vibration issues when integrating the Honda power unit and insufficient weight-saving efforts during the rushed design process. The aerodynamic direction, largely pushed by Newey, has led to unforeseen challenges but is not fundamentally wrong, he said.
Newey, widely regarded as Formula 1's greatest aerodynamic engineer, also revealed he dealt with health issues last year but is now feeling well. He praised the team for handling it smoothly.
The chassis upgrade is critical for Alonso's decision on his future. The 45-year-old double world champion, out of contract at season's end, has said he is committed to Aston Martin but wants to see tangible progress. Newey said Alonso is eagerly awaiting the upgrade and if it performs well, he hopes Alonso will stay for another season.
Newey declined to estimate the performance step, saying simulation tools are not yet sophisticated enough. So far this season, Aston Martin is an average of 3.4 seconds off the pace. Even a two-second improvement would only move them into the midfield, behind Alpine and Racing Bulls.
He noted the team historically underinvested in simulation tools but is now catching up. This is an indirect reference to past upgrades that did not deliver expected results on track.
A development for the Honda engine, currently the least powerful on the grid, is expected this summer, though the team has not specified which race.
Newey also clarified his role as team principal, saying it is partly a formal requirement under FIA rules, but key strategic decisions ultimately rest with him and owner Lawrence Stroll. Andy Cowell, formerly team boss, has been moved to chief strategy officer and is expected to leave later this season.
