Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll has high expectations for next year, partly due to the early arrival of master designer Adrian Newey. According to the Canadian, Newey is completely engrossed in developing the car for 2026, when the new technical regulations in Formula 1 will come into effect. “He is currently in a kind of trance,” Stroll says.
Newey joined Aston Martin as managing technical partner on March 1, 2025, following his previous departure from Red Bull Racing. Newey, who has won world titles with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull in the past, is fully focused on the new 2026 regulations at Aston Martin. These include active aerodynamics on the front and rear wings and new hybrid engines in which electric power plays a larger role.
‘Adrian Newey is so passionate’
“Adrian is, I think, in a kind of trance at the moment, focused on designing the car for next year,” Stroll tells Autosport. “He is so passionate and excited about the new rules. What’s great to see is how much passion, focus, and effort is being put into it. He lifts everyone up, creates a healthier culture within the factory, and that’s quite special.”
The Canadian driver also emphasizes that Newey’s legacy within Formula 1 adds an extra dimension to the team. “He’s been doing this for so long and he’s won more championships than anyone else in this paddock. That says it all.”
