Adrian Newey is reportedly pushing Aston Martin to address their ‘weak’ simulator ahead of the 2026 F1 season. Aston Martin have been forced to overhaul their technical setup after star designer Adrian Newey reportedly criticised the team’s Formula 1 simulator as “weak.
Adrian Newey is reportedly pushing Aston Martin to address their ‘weak’ simulator ahead of the 2026 F1 season.
Aston Martin have been forced to overhaul their technical setup after star designer Adrian Newey reportedly criticised the team’s Formula 1 simulator as “weak.”
The British engineer’s comments have prompted a series of behind-the-scenes changes as the team prepares for the next major regulation shift in 2026.
Adrian Newey demands Aston Martin make improvements to simulator
According to Motorsport Week, Adrian Newey’s concerns about the Silverstone-based outfit’s driver-in-the-loop simulator led to immediate action from team owner Lawrence Stroll.
Aston Martin have since hired ex-Red Bull simulation specialist Giles Wood and Ferrari’s former simulator expert Marco Fainello to strengthen their technical operation.
Newey is said to have been “less than happy” with the team’s facilities despite Aston Martin’s recent investments in new infrastructure.
He described the simulator as a tool that “needs a lot of work,” pushing Stroll and his senior staff to make urgent improvements before the new regulations arrive in 2026.
Stroll moved quickly to meet those demands, bringing in key personnel who had previously worked with Newey at Red Bull.
The decision reflects Aston Martin’s desire to meet the standards expected by one of Formula 1’s most decorated engineers.
“For sure, we don’t have all the tools to be a top team, so there’s no hiding behind that,” Stroll said. “Time will tell how good we look, but we’re excited to move forward with the new structure and all the people we’ve brought on board.”
Adrian Newey’s arrival reshapes Aston Martin’s F1 project
Newey joined Aston Martin last year as part of the team’s push toward the next generation of Formula 1 rules, which will coincide with their new partnership with Honda.
His combination of technical mastery and competitive drive is seen as crucial to elevating Aston Martin from midfield contenders to title challengers.
“Adrian is all about performance and winning,” Stroll said. “That’s what we’re here for — to be fast and competitive. Having Adrian around pushes everyone to be better and to make the car faster.”
Aston Martin finished seventh in the Constructors’ Championship last season, but expectations have grown since Newey’s arrival.
With Honda returning as their engine partner in 2026 and Newey overseeing the car’s development, the team are aiming to close the gap on Red Bull and Mercedes.
The upgrades to the simulator and technical facilities underline Aston Martin’s commitment to meeting Newey’s high standards — and their belief that his influence could define the team’s next chapter.
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Category: General Sports
