Alonso in awe of Newey: ‘An artist more than an engineer’

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Fernando Alonso has offered a glowing first account of working alongside Adrian Newey at Aston Martin, describing the legendary Formula 1 designer as someone whose vision transcends engineering and borders on artistry.

Newey, whose blueprints powered Red Bull to 14 drivers' championships and 12 constructors' crowns over two decades, joined Aston Martin earlier this year and wasted no time embedding himself in the squad’s operation.

And the Briton is already leaving a profound impression on Alonso as he directs his energy toward the team’s 2026 challenger, the first car conceived under the upcoming technical regulations.

“The best ever designer”

Speaking on Aston Martin F1’s YouTube channel, Alonso made no attempt to hide his admiration for Newey’s record and unique approach to car design.

“For sure, the best ever designer in the sport and no one probably will achieve the numbers that he has,” Alonso said.

“The way he works explains some of the results that he had. He has an incredible way of seeing the car as one piece that works together, not single devices that provide performance. He can just anticipate the whole car in one piece.

©AstonMartin

“He seems in control of everything at all the time, a self-confidence that I probably never saw before.

“He’s not stressed about any other team or any other philosophy or any other design. He believes that his will be the best.”

Those qualities, Alonso believes, are what have helped Newey mastermind so many successful designs in the sport over his storied career.

Feeling “Very safe”

Despite Aston Martin’s struggles this season, Alonso suggested the presence of Newey has already given him a reassuring sense of optimism heading into the future.

When asked how he feels seeing Newey operate within the team environment, Alonso’s answer was clear: “Very safe.

©AstonMartin

“He came to Monaco for the race. He was just in the garage. He's not talking to many people, but at the same time, always thinking and touching the front wheel here, the suspension there.

“He's, I think, an artist more than an engineer.”

Read also: Alonso claims ‘20 points lost’ in 2025 after Monza DNF

For Alonso, Newey’s quiet but focused demeanor is another sign of the creative genius that has defined his career.

And for Aston Martin, it could be the crucial ingredient in the Spaniard’s long-awaited push for a third world championship title.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.