Verstappen chimes in on Newey’s prospects as Aston team boss

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Max Verstappen has thrown his full support behind Adrian Newey as the design mastermind prepares to step into uncharted territory as Aston Martin’s new team principal from 2026 – a move the reigning world champion believes will pay off handsomely.

Newey, widely regarded as the greatest designer in Formula 1 history, will take the helm of the Silverstone squad while also serving as its managing technical partner, becoming owner Lawrence Stroll’s closest lieutenant in the team’s next major evolution.

It marks the first time in his illustrious career that Newey will lead an entire F1 operation from the top.

Verstappen, who worked closely with Newey throughout their title-winning years at Red Bull, sees the shift as a logical and potentially transformative step.

A Natural Fit for a Tech-Led Team Principal

Responding to Aston Martin’s reshuffle – which sees outgoing boss Andy Cowell move into a chief strategy officer role – Verstappen said the trend of technically minded figures stepping into team leadership roles is becoming increasingly common.

"It's probably something that you see in more teams, right? That someone more technical is taking on the role of team boss. And I guess Aston is going the same way. I mean you have to ask them, of course, why they opted to do it. But that's my, I think, logical explanation behind that."

The Dutchman emphasised that while it remains to be seen how much hands-on car involvement Newey will retain, his impact is almost certain to be positive.

"So yeah, I'm happy to see that. I don't know of course how much that will change in the involvement of the car for Adrian. But I'm sure he will do well."

Never an Option at Red Bull

Asked whether he was surprised to see Newey assume such an expansive leadership position for the first time, Verstappen admitted that the pair had never discussed such ambitions during their Red Bull years.

"I've never spoken to Adrian about it. It was never an option at Red Bull of course as well so I don't know what the ambition was or whatever - but I'm happy for him,” he said.

Read also:

Alonso: With Newey there’s only one style – performance!

From the Dutchman’s perspective, Newey’s move simply marks a new and intriguing chapter — one he’s more than willing to watch unfold from afar.

"He's in a different team environment now and, of course, I cannot look into the team why or how or the reason why he got promoted. But I'm just sitting here and enjoying it,” he added.

Above all, the four-time world champion hopes Aston Martin will truly harness the genius they’ve recruited.

"Happy for him and I hope that the team will benefit of his knowledge at the end of the day."

Aston Martin’s latest restructure signals another bold turn for a team intent on breaking into Formula 1’s top tier.

With Newey now set to guide the project from the very top, Verstappen’s confidence only fuels the intrigue surrounding what could become one of the sport’s most compelling new alliances.

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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.