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Aston Martin have started the season in the worst way imaginable, and it appears Adrian Newey’s brief time as team principal could be coming to an end.
Newey agreed to join Aston Martin in 2025 after nearly 20 years with Red Bull. Just a few months after he joined as Managing Technical Partner, he was named team principal.
However, his tenure got off to a disastrous start, owing to the massive issues concerning the Honda power unit. Due to his frustration, Newey has caused friction between Honda and Aston Martin.
Have Aston Martin already ‘completely ruined’ their relationship with Honda?
His handling of the situation with Honda has led to Newey frustrating key officials within Aston Martin. In fact, there were reports that Lawrence Stroll now regrets hiring Newey to be team principal.
Adrian Newey finds himself in a difficult position in this new role. But it sounds like he might not be in said role for much longer.
READ MORE: Aston Martin insider suggests Adrian Newey’s car is ‘much better’ than many people realise
Aston Martin frustrated over ‘lack of leadership’ as they look to replace Adrian Newey
Spanish journalist Antonio Lobato recently spoke about Aston Martin’s issues during a livestream with SoyMotor, where he revealed some big news.
He noted that Aston Martin are currently dealing with a vacuum in leadership, and the team are looking to hire someone to replace Adrian Newey as team principal.
“There is a lack of leadership at Aston Martin right now. I know for a fact that they are looking for a new team principal. Newey doesn’t act as Team Principal. In fact, he shouldn’t act as Team Principal.”
Lobato revealed further issues that Aston Martin are currently facing with the Honda power unit, and just how significant their lack of power is, compared to other teams.
“Cadillac was putting half a second on Aston Martin in the straights every lap… The gap is between 1.5 and 2 seconds. Just in the straights. The Honda engine’s power deficit is way above 50 HP. In qualifying, they run the engine at 75% and in the race at 50%.”
READ MORE: Adrian Newey has already done something Christian Horner never did in 20 years at Red Bull
When do you think Aston Martin will complete their first Grand Prix this season?
Will Aston Martin keep Adrian Newey after replacing him as team principal?
Given how hard Aston Martin worked to recruit Adrian Newey, it would be difficult to justify severing their ties with him entirely after replacing him as team principal.
Newey could return to his original role as managing technical partner, given his long-standing expertise in building cars.
In fact, Newey’s work on the construction of the car has seen praise, with Fernando Alonso claiming the car could be competitive were it not for the power unit issues with Honda.
Perhaps Lawrence Stroll will look to keep hold of Newey for his expertise on car design and construction, and as an added bonus, to keep him from joining another team and helping them improve.
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