Adrian Newey is providing Aston Martin with crucial insight into their plan to attract Max Verstappen as the 2026 Formula 1 regulations approach. Present at the F1 Monaco Grand Prix wearing Aston Martin colors, Newey’s presence highlights the team’s serious intention to rise in competitiveness by securing Verstappen, who is pursuing a fifth consecutive driver’s title this season.
The Aston Martin strategy to sign Max Verstappen centers on building the fastest car on the grid, according to Newey’s assessment, as the Dutch driver values performance above all else.
Newey Identifies the Key to Winning Verstappen’s Commitment
Newey has distilled what it will take for Aston Martin to win over Verstappen. Recognized as a phenomenal driver and fierce competitor, Verstappen’s decision-making revolves around a simple principle: choosing the team capable of delivering the quickest car.
“Max is clearly a phenomenal talent, and he’s a supreme competitor,”
—Adrian Newey, Car Designer
The team’s priority, Newey emphasizes, must be to produce a fast and reliable car. Without that foundation, any hope of enticing Verstappen would be unrealistic.
“It’s a pipe dream about anything else from there.”
—Adrian Newey, Car Designer
Challenges Facing Verstappen and the Shifting F1 Landscape
Verstappen’s potential exit from Red Bull has been speculated due to Red Bull’s declining performance compared to competitors. Last season, McLaren outpaced Red Bull, providing more competitive vehicles to drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. This change in the dynamic leaves Verstappen confronting his toughest title challenge yet.
The 2026 rule changes could reshuffle the hierarchy in Formula 1, offering Aston Martin a chance to reposition themselves at the top. To capitalize on this, they acted decisively by hiring Newey, whose expertise is expected to transform their design and development efforts.
Andy Cowell, speaking to Crash.net, revealed that Newey has already brought significant changes to Aston Martin’s approach, impacting two major facets of their work, which could lay the groundwork for future success.
The Road Ahead for Aston Martin and Verstappen
As the 2026 season approaches, Aston Martin’s focus is clear: build a car that convinces Verstappen he can win. The team’s long-term ambitions depend on their ability to innovate and compete under the new regulations. Success in this strategy could alter the Formula 1 landscape and end Verstappen’s dominance with Red Bull.
This strategic shift, led by Adrian Newey’s insights, marks a pivotal moment for Aston Martin as they aim to emerge as a powerhouse by pairing elite engineering with one of the sport’s best drivers.