Max Verstappen has responded to Adrian Newey’s appointment as Aston Martin’s new team principal, expressing satisfaction with the move and noting the trend of technical experts stepping into management roles within Formula 1. The Dutch driver, who collaborated with Newey at Red Bull until 2024, believes that having technical prowess at the helm can bring a unique perspective to team leadership, making the development especially meaningful as Aston Martin prepares for a major shift in 2026.
Adrian Newey Steps Into Leadership Amid Changes at Aston Martin
In November, Aston Martin restructured its senior management, removing Andy Cowell as team principal and assigning Adrian Newey—previously the managing technical partner—the responsibilities of team boss. Newey, considered one of the sport’s foremost engineering minds, now faces the dual role of guiding both car development and overall team direction during a pivotal moment for the Lawrence Stroll-owned team.
Max Verstappen, reflecting on the move, reiterated his support for Newey stepping into the leadership role:
“It’s probably something that you see in more teams, that someone more technical is taking on the role of team boss, and I guess Aston is going the same way. You have to ask them, of course, why they opted to do it, but that’s my logical explanation behind that,”
said Verstappen. [via PlanetF1]
The 67-year-old’s challenge is significant as he transitions from technical expertise to comprehensive team management. Verstappen added:
“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,”
he added.
Verstappen acknowledged that only time will determine whether Newey adapts successfully to a leadership position, especially as this is his first such role. He concluded by expressing confidence in the veteran engineer’s ability to rise to the occasion and perform well at Aston Martin.
Newey’s Role Ahead of 2026 and the Challenge of Balancing Responsibilities
Looking towards Formula 1’s new regulations in 2026, Aston Martin is banking on Newey to deliver a competitive Honda-powered car at the front of the grid. The team’s aspirations have been amplified by the dual burden Newey now carries: overseeing car design as chief architect and managing team operations as principal, at least in the near future. How he will juggle these tasks remains a point of intrigue within the paddock.
Gianpiero Lambiase: Verstappen’s Trusted Race Engineer Linked to Senior Role
According to reports from The Race, Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer and confidante, Gianpiero Lambiase, has been approached by Aston Martin for a senior position in their Formula 1 structure. The discussions reportedly include possibilities such as CEO or even team principal at the Silverstone-based team, placing Lambiase in a potentially transformative role outside of Red Bull for the first time in years.
There is, however, no official word from Aston Martin concerning Lambiase’s candidacy. Furthermore, speculation persists that Lambiase might be in line for promotion within Red Bull rather than making a move. Regardless of the outcome, Lambiase’s importance as Verstappen’s key ally means his future could have a significant effect on both teams heading into the new era.
Potential Impacts as Changes Unfold in the F1 Paddock
The developments at Aston Martin reflect a broader trend in Formula 1 toward placing technical minds in leadership positions, a movement supported by figures like Max Verstappen. Adrian Newey’s new appointment and the lingering question over Gianpiero Lambiase’s future add intrigue to the upcoming seasons, particularly with the regulatory overhaul in 2026. Teams across the grid will be watching closely as these high-profile figures adapt to their new roles, likely influencing both immediate performance and long-term strategic direction within the sport.
