Adrian Newey believes Aston Martin \u201cwon\u2019t be ready\u201d to fight for the F1 2026 title despite the opportunity presented by the new regulations next season.<\/p>\n
That is the claim of Riccardo Patrese, the former Williams driver, who says Newey was keen to downplay expectations for F1 2026 when the pair spoke at this summer\u2019s Goodwood Festival of Speed.<\/p>\n
Patrese: Adrian Newey feels Aston Martin \u2018won\u2019t be ready\u2019 for F1 2026 title fight<\/p>\n
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher<\/p>\n
Newey joined Aston Martin in the newly created role of managing technical partner in March, as well as becoming a shareholder in the F1 team.<\/p>\n
The 66-year-old stands as the most decorated individual in the sport\u2019s history with involvement in more than 200 race wins and a combined 26 Drivers\u2019 and Constructors\u2019 title triumphs for the likes of Williams, McLaren and Red Bull.<\/p>\n
Newey is currently leading the development of Aston Martin\u2019s first car \u2013 expected to be named the AMR26 \u2013 under the new F1 2026 rules, which will see the sport embrace 50 per cent electrification, fully sustainable fuels and active aerodynamics.<\/p>\n
Adrian Newey: Aston Martin\u2019s ticket to the top of F1?<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udc49\u00a0Adrian Newey\u2019s to-do list: The five most important Aston Martin tasks<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49\u00a0Explained: Adrian Newey\u2019s job title and how Aston Martin\u2019s technical structure will look<\/a><\/p>\n Next season will also mark the start of Aston Martin\u2019s technical partnership with Honda, Red Bull\u2019s engine supplier since 2019.<\/p>\n Newey\u2019s arrival has raised expectations that Aston Martin could emerge as a title-contending force when the new regulations are introduced.<\/p>\n However, Newey appeared to play down expectations during his first trackside appearance with Aston Martin at May\u2019s Monaco Grand Prix, warning that some of the team\u2019s simulation tools<\/a>\u00a0remain \u201cweak.\u201d<\/p>\n Patrese has claimed that Newey informed him that F1 2026 is likely to come too soon in Aston Martin\u2019s development.<\/p>\n He told a gambling platform: \u201cI spoke with Adrian at Goodwood and he feels that next year they won\u2019t be ready and not raise expectations.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they come out and they are ready, it looks better for him!<\/p>\n \u201cBut he seemed honest when he said they would not be ready to go for the Championship.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you never know, because Adrian is incredible.<\/p>\n \u201cProbably in his heart, he hopes to be ready already next year, but he doesn\u2019t want to say that.\u201d<\/p>\n Aston Martin was linked with an eye-watering $300 million move for Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time World Champion who worked closely with Newey at Red Bull, earlier this season.<\/p>\n However, the team distanced itself from the reports at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April, reiterating its commitment to its current lineup of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.<\/p>\n In a statement issued to PlanetF1.com<\/a>, an Aston Martin spokesperson said:\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s normal for the media to speculate on driver market, but we have an amazing driver lineup that we are committed to and who are under contract for 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n \u201cOur focus is on delivering for our drivers by giving them a more consistent and competitive car.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we do, they are both capable of delivering great results.\u201d<\/p>\n Newey later dismissed talk of a potential move for Verstappen, describing it as a \u201cpipe dream\u201d until Aston Martin<\/a> can produce a quick car.<\/p>\n Patrese is refusing to rule out Aston Martin as a potential option for Verstappen, who remains officially under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season.<\/p>\n He added: \u201c[Newey] also said we are not ready to get Verstappen next year because he doesn\u2019t think they can provide him with a winning car.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is what he says [but]\u00a0we will see what will come out.<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows how strong Verstappen is.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if the car has the potential to win the championship, Verstappen can definitely be a choice for Aston Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n More on Aston Martin drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso from PlanetF1.com<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Lance Stroll news<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Fernando Alonso news<\/a><\/p>\n