JULY 4, 2026

Newey apologises for struggle, explains team boss role

Adrian Newey has apologised to Aston Martin's partners and drivers as the team waits for its long-awaited upgrade packages in Hungary and Zandvoort.

Speaking to sponsors and journalists at Aston Martin's Silverstone headquarters, including Mundo Deportivo, the team principal admitted the team's difficult start to 2026 has been painful.

I want to thank everyone for your patience and understanding, Newey said.

"It is very painful for us, for our partners, and for the entire team to see the level of performance we are currently showing.

But we hope that very soon this will be nothing more than a distant memory. A painful memory, yes, but a distant one.

Newey also acknowledged the frustration among Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll - especially as he tries to convince Alonso to sign another contract.

The drivers feel what the car is doing and see what's happening on the track, he said.

"Naturally, it's been extremely frustrating for them not to be able to compete on a level playing field, both because of the reliability issues and the performance.

I spent a considerable amount of time explaining to both Fernando and Lance exactly what we're doing, what we have planned with this upgrade package, what our plans are for the 2027 season, and how, although it might not seem like it from the outside, we're listening very carefully to their feedback and trying to act accordingly.

He admitted Aston Martin itself could have handled the situation better.

"When someone feels they aren't being listened to, it's understandable that they end up getting frustrated.

"It's a human reaction.

Perhaps we ourselves made the mistake of not dedicating enough time to them to explain in detail what we intend to achieve with these improvements and what the plan is for next season.

Referring to the major upgrade program due to begin in Hungary, followed by Honda's long-awaited revised power unit in Zandvoort, Newey added: "Now that moment is getting closer and closer, so, in a way, they're already counting down the days until this difficult period is over.

We hope that then we'll take a significant step forward.

Newey also clarified his role as Aston Martin's team principal amid speculation he has delegated many public-facing responsibilities to Mike Krack.

The role of Team Principal is open to different interpretations, he said.

Yes, I am the Team Principal, but in reality, the leadership rests with a team, and it's a great team that we work with.

Newey insisted Aston Martin would stick with its unusually flat management structure despite its difficult season.

Our organisation has a very flat structure, he said.

Flat structures can be compared to socialism, and we all know the problems with socialism. But, in this case, I sincerely believe it's a structure we must maintain.

(GMM)