Aston Martin boss Andy Cowell says Adrian Newey 'putting a lot of effort' into 2026 car

The Formula 1 season is about to kick off, and Albert Park in Melbourne is filled with excitement, anticipation, and an adrenaline-pumping atmosphere. However, an underlying current is also brewing, one that will run throughout the 2025 season – the significant changes coming in 2026. These upcoming regulations have teams strategizing early.

This year marks the final year of the current Formula 1 regulations, with a completely new set of rules and guidelines set to be introduced in 2026. Although this year's 24 races have not yet begun, all teams have already started developing their 2026 cars. This early focus highlights the importance of adapting to the new regulations quickly.

The Aston Martin team is filled with hope for the future. Their state-of-the-art wind tunnel at Silverstone is already in use, and Formula 1 design guru Adrian Newey joined the team this month. Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell stated that Newey has immediately taken over the design work for 2026, and it is expected that the design legend will only offer more suggestions for the 2025 car after the initial few races.

Cowell stated at the team principals' press conference: "There are 24 races this year, and we all want to improve our cars, and next year there will be new rules, including different aerodynamics, power units, and fuel. In a world with a cost cap, how do you balance this? We have to make judgments and develop a plan of action." This balancing act is crucial for teams to remain competitive in both the short and long term.

Aston Martin finished fifth in the team standings last season, far behind the top four. However, the British team is taking proactive measures to transform into a works team and has signed Newey, who designed all of Red Bull's championship-winning cars. Cowell said: "Adrian Newey's arrival brings a wealth of experience and a strong competitive mindset, and our current choice is to have Adrian in charge of the 2026 car. He is putting in a lot of effort and gaining a deep understanding of it. Perhaps after we understand the strengths and weaknesses of our car, he will make some suggestions for improvements to the 2025 car."

The first of the 24 Grand Prix in the 2025 season will be held this Sunday at Albert Park in Melbourne. Fans and teams alike are eager to see how the season unfolds.