Fernando Alonso has offered an eyebrow-raising assessment of working with Adrian Newey at Aston Martin, quipping that understanding the legendary designer “takes all your brain capacity.” It’s a wry nod to the depth of detail and relentless curiosity that have defined Newey’s career.
Inside the Newey effect
Newey’s cars are famed for extracting performance from aerodynamic concepts that push regulations to their limits. For drivers, that means absorbing rich layers of technical nuance—setup sensitivity, ride-height windows, aero balance shifts—and adapting driving style to unlock the final tenths.
Alonso’s appetite for complexity
Known for his analytical approach, Alonso’s remarks speak to an embrace of that complexity. Translating Newey’s ideas into on-track execution demands clarity of feedback and a willingness to learn fast as development parts flow.
In short: working with a generational design talent is as mentally demanding as it is rewarding—and Alonso appears all-in.
