Adrian Newey's relationship with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll is strained as the team struggles early in the season. Despite high expectations, the AMR26 has underperformed, with drivers reporting issues with the Honda power unit.
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Adrian Neweyâs partnership with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll has reportedly hit a rough patch, as the team continues to underperform early in the season.
Expectations were high when Newey arrived, with many predicting he would help push Aston Martin back toward the front of the grid.
However, those hopes have not materialised so far. The AMR26 has been plagued by issues from the start, and Aston Martin have struggled to keep pace with the leading teams. Both drivers have complained about severe vibrations from the Honda power unit, though there were reports during the Miami Grand Prix that some progress had been made on that front.
His position within the organisation remains solid for now, but recent reports suggest tension is growing between him and Stroll as frustrations mount over their lack of progress.
Mark Grain, a former McLaren employee, recently shared on the Two Mechanics podcast that things between Adrian Newey and Lawrence Stroll have hit a rough patch. Despite the issues, Grain still expects Aston Martin to turn things around.
He added: âI understand that the relationship at Aston Martin isnât great at the moment. And Adrianâs relationship with Lawrence isnât great either.
âSo, of course, health first, hopefully heâs on the mend, but yeah, I believe that the relationship between him and Lawrence is at a pretty low point right now.
âI still think that team is very strong, and itâs not about one man. I think they will bounce back. Theyâre making progress with Honda; itâs just tough times for that Silverstone-based team.â
As the season has unfolded, Aston Martinâs poor results have brought more attention to Fernando Alonsoâs plans beyond 2026.
The Aston Martin AMR26 has been plagued by performance issues, including severe vibrations from the Honda power unit.
Adrian Newey's arrival raised expectations for improved performance, but the team has not made the anticipated progress and continues to struggle.
The strain between Adrian Newey and Lawrence Stroll is reportedly due to the team's underperformance and failure to meet high expectations early in the season.
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The two-time world champion, who is set to turn 45 this year, has said heâll take some time over the summer break before making any decisions.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Alonso explained: âSometime in the summer, I need to make a decision. At the moment I didnât sit with myself to think about that.
âI never thought about it in a deep way and I need to speak with my family as well. I need to speak with my people first and decide what to do next year.
âIâm very relaxed about it. If I continue racing, I think it will be a better season than this one with the project in year two. If I stop racing, I know that I will race in other series.â
Aston Martin managed to get both cars across the line in Miami and will be hoping for another step forward when Formula 1 heads to Canada next weekend.
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