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Adrian Newey Reveals Aston Martin’s Mid-Season Upgrade Plan
Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey detailed the comprehensive upgrade plan he is working on for the AMR26 following the Monaco Grand Prix. Newey said the team has moved past a rushed approach and is focusing on a package expected to be ready before the summer break.
Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey revealed the upgrade plan prepared for the AMR26 following his return at the Monaco Grand Prix. The experienced designer said the team has shifted from short-term patchwork parts to a more systematic development process.
Newey returned to the trackside in Monte Carlo after a four-race absence. The 67-year-old appeared in the paddock for the first time since the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
His return in Monaco coincided with Aston Martin’s first points finish in F1 2026. Fernando Alonso moved up to 10th place after a post-race penalty was given to Cadillac driver Sergio Perez, securing the team’s first points of the season.
This result also marked the first points scored under the new technical partnership between Aston Martin and Honda. Newey’s inspection of McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s cars throughout the weekend also drew attention.
"I am working on the car," he said
In his Monaco statement, Newey said returning to the paddock felt good and that he is working on an upgrade package expected to be introduced next month.
"It’s good to be back in the paddock. This is the first race I’ve attended since Melbourne. I’m working on updates for the car and a package we expect to have ready just before the summer break," he said.
Newey had previously emphasized that Aston Martin’s late start to pre-season testing in Barcelona seriously complicated the AMR26’s design and development process. According to him, the team started about four months behind their rivals and the car was assembled at the last minute.
In his Monaco assessment, he explained that after this delay, they changed their approach and moved towards more carefully planned developments. Newey stated they preferred to establish systems first rather than rushing small updates.
"Instead of making patchy updates after Melbourne, we decided to take time and establish systems. We will face some short-term difficulties but hopefully will make a bigger step forward in return," he said.
Team roles continue to be assigned
Newey’s race schedule during the season is expected to resemble that of Andy Cowell, who held the role before him at Aston Martin. Accordingly, Newey will attend races where he can contribute most to the team rather than every event.
During the Monaco weekend, media duties were handled by Aston Martin ambassador Pedro de la Rosa and former team principal and current trackside operations head Mike Krack. Newey had mentioned in Australia that these new responsibilities somewhat distracted him from focusing on design and development.
According to information published in March, Newey is expected to step down from this role in the long term, and a search is underway for his successor. Jonathan Wheatley is emerging as the likely candidate to take over the team.
At Aston Martin, all eyes are now on the upgrade package planned to be introduced before the summer break. The team aims to showcase both the impact of the new technical partnership and Newey’s reshaped development approach in the remainder of the season.
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