Latest news with #AdrianNewey
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Why Adrian Newey 'goes to another office' to avoid work on 2025 Aston Martin F1 car
Adrian Newey made a rare appearance trackside during the British Grand Prix Formula 1 weekend. Apart from a visit to Monaco in May (and a cameo at the Goodwood Festival of Speed) he has been sequestered within Aston Martin's 'campus' near Silverstone since he started at the team in March. But while Newey was present on the British GP grid with his sketchbook – despite overseeing 12 constructors' championship-winning cars since 1992, he has never been too proud to learn from others' ideas – he will continue to focus on developing Aston Martin's response to the 2026 technical reset rather than being drawn into solving problems with the current car. Advertisement 'He's working, he's involved,' Fernando Alonso told Spanish broadcaster DAZN at Silverstone. 'He's very motivated. But it's true that this year's car doesn't seem to interest him much. 'Every time we ask something about this year or how to improve something, he gets up and goes to another office. So he's already in 2026 mode…' Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Adrian Newey, Managing Technical Partner of Aston Martin F1 Team Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing, Adrian Newey, Managing Technical Partner of Aston Martin F1 Team Although Alonso was being somewhat flippant, Newey has traditionally resisted becoming involved in development of an inherited project when moving teams. His first Williams, the FW14, had more in common aerodynamically with his previous design (the Leyton House CG901) than the FW13 it replaced; at McLaren he got straight into conceptual work for the 1998 narrow-track ruleset while still on gardening leave, having as little involvement as possible with the '97 car; at Red Bull he almost entirely swerved the wretched RB2. Advertisement 'I spent some time trying to understand the RB2,' he told this author, with a barely suppressed eye roll, in a contemporary interview. [ ] As surely as eggs don't bounce, a 'but' followed: reshaping the malfunctioning technical department he'd inherited from Jaguar Racing took priority over silk-pursificating the car it had produced. And this is the policy to which Newey is adhering at Aston Martin, while phrasing his observations more diplomatically – in public, at least, though he has spoken of the development 'tools' being 'weak'. The challenge is to transact this reconstruction phase while managing expectations in the interim. Team owner Lawrence Stroll is notoriously impatient, as evinced by excoriating 'roastings' in the factory on the Monday following an unsuccessful weekend – of which there have been rather too many of late. Alonso, now into his 40s and painfully aware of the passage of time, is also in a hurry to get in a quick car again. Lance Stroll gives the outward impression of being manifestly disengaged, and yet talk of behind-the-scenes tantrums suggests he does have an interest in development taking a turn for the better. Advertisement Read Also: Lance Stroll's bizarre Canadian GP press conference: dour, defensive, and disconnected CEO and team principal Andy Cowell must therefore follow a pragmatic and delicately balanced route through this season, enabling Newey to reshape the technical organisation to his liking and keep his head in the 2026 game while also giving some impression of forward momentum with the current project. A new floor applied to the AMR25 in Imola was said to have had a noticeably positive effect, while further revisions to that floor – including new 'fences' – at Silverstone were in close-but-no-cigar territory. Advertisement 'I think it's a step forward – the car felt a bit better,' said Alonso. 'The data showed that in some parts of the track there's improvement; in others it's harder to see. So, let's say it's a very small upgrade package, but it's always welcome. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing 'The way the grid is right now – with five or six cars within two tenths – a tenth or even half a tenth is valuable. It also shows that the team keeps pushing. 'We're not content being stuck in the midfield. We want to be as close as possible to the top teams by the end of the year.' If the trajectory doesn't seem to be heading towards that vaguely expressed position in the upper midfield, will Stroll Sr start thumping desks and demanding Newey get involved? Maybe, but Adrian will resist all the way. To read more articles visit our website.
Courier-Mail
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
What makes the Goodwood Festival of Speed so special
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Ever-stricter speed limits, emissions controls, noise requirements and rising prices make life hard for those who live behind the wheel. Thankfully, there are a few sanctuaries where speed is celebrated, roaring engines are met with enthusiasm and incredible rare cars are everywhere. The best of them might be the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Set against the grand backdrop of the Goodwood House in West Sussex, England, it draws more than 200,000 people to celebrate the full spectrum of motoring. From vintage race cars to legendary F1 machines, road cars and outlandish concepts, Goodwood has it all. Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture: Supplied) MORE: Bold plan to seduce millionaires As soon as you step through the iconic gates of Goodwood, you're immediately immersed in a breathtaking display of automotive evolution. Leading car manufacturers from around the world showcase cherished historic models alongside modern metal and revolutionary conceptsthat will shape the roads of tomorrow. I stood in awe, absorbing the atmosphere and watching historic cars conquer the iconic hill climb, and thought the event couldn't get any better. However, one moment sealed it in my memory forever. I strapped into the passenger seat of a Bentley Continental GT Speed for a ride up the hill. Bentley's GT Speed launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds, and being in the thick of it was nothing short of heart-pounding. We hit over 180 km/h through corners, tyres screeching as the road tightened and twisted beneath us on the charge uphill. It was an unforgettable experience, one countless people dream of having. For me, it stands out as a truly prominent moment I will forever cherish. Adrian Newey driving the Lotus-Cosworth 49B during the Goodwood Festival of Speed event. (Photo by) A McLaren-TAG MP4/4 driving at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by) MORE: Jet pilot tech to change Aussie cars But it was the slow parade back down the hill that captured my perception and revealed what makes this event truly special. As we crawled back towards the tent where the Bentley would be placed back on display, crowds lined the return route, and people began stepping closer. Phones came out, kids pointed, and some even leaned in for a better look, almost close enough to touch it. No barriers, no aggressively attentive marshals telling people off — just genuine excitement. This is what makes it so unique. Duncan Pittaway driving the FIAT S76 during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by) With unrestricted access, you are free to wander through rows of priceless machinery, talk to drivers and engineers, and soak in the atmosphere. It's a weekend for anyone and everyone. Whether that's claiming a long-sought-after autograph, turning your gaze skywards for an incredible aerial display, or staring in bewildered awe at a multimillion-dollar car as it muscles its way up the Goodwood hill. The sound is also truly unforgettable. You hear everything from the thunderous growl of classic V8 muscle cars to the high-pitched shriek of modern F1 engines to the crowd's cheer of approval. There's even the whizz of hyper-electric performance cars that may not sound as appealing, though their looks more than make up for it. Liam Lawson was also at the Goodwood Festival of Speed event. (Photo by) Nigel Mansell driving the Williams FW14B Renault at Goodwood. (Photo by) MORE: Why 'dumb ute' incentives don't make sense The event also has a rally stage, an off-road area, a supercar corral, a concours, an auction, and an exhibition for vendors. The enthusiasts who attend the event in their wide variety of classic cars, sports cars, and supercars make the parking lot one of the best car shows you'll ever see. Goodwood is brilliant. If it isn't on your bucket list, I'd highly recommend adding it. Bentley's Bentayga Speed at Goodwood. Picture: Supplied Esteban Ocon doing donuts during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Photo by) Whether you're a lifelong racing nut or just someone who appreciates a beautifully engineered machine, Goodwood has a way of pulling you in. Even if you don't know your GT40 from your GR Yaris, it's hard not to get swept up in the atmosphere. Originally published as What makes the Goodwood Festival of Speed so special
New York Times
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- New York Times
Christian Horner's surprising firing by Red Bull F1 raises many questions
Red Bull was on top of the world at the end of the 2023 season. Untouchable and almost unbeatable. Max Verstappen had secured 19 wins en route to a third consecutive world championship, clinching the title in Qatar with five races remaining, with the team securing the constructors' championship as early as September in Japan in a car widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport's history. The 2023 season for Red Bull is, by many measures, one of the most dominant by team and driver in F1 history. But when the new year rang, the team began to unravel. In less than two years, a championship-caliber team has disintegrated, Horner's surprise sacking on Wednesday being the denouement. Rob Marshall had left for McLaren, joining as its chief designer in January 2024. Chief technical officer Adrian Newey, widely described as a design genius, left for Aston Martin a few months later, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley became the team principal for Sauber (a team that has outscored Red Bull 35 to 29 points over the last four race weekends). Will Courtney, head of race strategy, left the Milton Keynes-based crew last fall after 20 years with the team and will join McLaren sometime during the 2026 season. Advertisement The drivers' side has experienced changes since that era-defining 2023 season, too. Sergio Pérez was replaced by Liam Lawson, who was then replaced by Yuki Tsunoda two races into this season. The team's second seat pales in comparison to the performances Verstappen has strung together over the last 18 months, but even the Dutchman's results have been a far cry from his world championship-contending years. Verstappen has been vocal about his issues with the car, and yet Red Bull hasn't figured out how to remedy it and is staring down a regulation change come 2026. Horner, the team's leader since it joined the Formula One grid in 2005, has weathered the highs of Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen's championship-winning seasons, as well as the lows of last year's investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior, which was subsequently dismissed. Horner has always denied the allegations. But 12 races into the season, and a few days after Verstappen had secured pole but ultimately finished fifth in the British Grand Prix with his team-mate last, Horner's 20-year tenure has come to an end. It came as a surprise and raises plenty of questions. But how did we get here? And, crucially, why now? As shocking as Horner's departure is, the biggest question his exit has raised is what this means for Verstappen, the reigning world champion and one of the greatest drivers in the sport's history. Verstappen thanked Horner in a social media post a few hours after the 51-year-old's sacking was made public. 'From my first race win to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records,' his post on X said. It was a positive summation of a partnership that had come under scrutiny during Red Bull's tumultuous last 18 months. Advertisement Complicating matters was Verstappen's father's relationship with Horner and Jos Verstappen's public airing of his grievances, often putting his son in an awkward position of being asked about them. In an interview with the Daily Mail during last year's investigation, Jos Verstappen warned that Red Bull would 'explode' were Horner to remain in position. 'He is playing the victim when he is the one causing the problems,' Jos said. Verstappen's response to his father's comments ahead of that March's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was to say his father was 'not a liar', raising further questions about Horner and Verstappen's futures within the team. Verstappen went on to win a fourth world title at the end of that turbulent year, and the 27-year-old is under contract with the team until the end of the 2028 campaign, but that hasn't stopped further speculation, most recently about a possible move to Mercedes — something the Silver Arrows haven't shut down. Mercedes' current No. 1, George Russell, whose contract expires at the end of the year, said at Silverstone that the likelihood of him not being at Mercedes next year was 'exceptionally low'. Verstappen had always publicly supported Horner and the team's performance, unwilling to throw anyone under the bus. But even as recently as last weekend in Silverstone, he remained quiet about his future. Picking a team for next season is more complicated than in previous years due to the 2026 regulation changes, which include updates to fuel, engines and cars. It's not as simple as making a move to the most competitive team this season. The grid pecking order won't be clear until the teams arrive in Australia for the first race of the season, when the cars will be in a true competitive environment. When asked about whether it would be risky to switch teams ahead of a fresh regulation set, Verstappen said, 'That's why I'm contracted to Red Bull.' Does Horner's exit make Verstappen more likely to stay? That will be the defining question facing the team next. After Horner's exit, the speculation is unlikely to go away — especially if Red Bull's on-track performance does not improve dramatically. Red Bull's problems began in 2024, a season in which they were expected to dominate, as Verstappen had won all but three races the previous year and Red Bull had clinched both championships. But, instead, the 2023 form and cohesion faded away. In 2024 preseason testing, Horner came under investigation after allegations of controlling and inappropriate behaviour were made against him by a female employee. Horner denied the allegations. Advertisement Red Bull GmbH, the F1 team's parent company, confirmed in early February that an independent investigation into the allegations against Horner had been launched and 'an external specialist barrister' would handle the matter. Horner was questioned by a King's Counsel (KC) on Feb. 9, and the season launch took place several days later. On Feb. 28, Red Bull's parent company announced the investigation was completed and the grievance was dismissed. Last August, Red Bull confirmed the employee's appeal was 'not upheld.' As the investigations continued in the background, Horner remained in charge. Verstappen maintained he was focused on what was happening on the track, and the team was performing well. Verstappen and Pérez had secured consecutive 1-2 finishes to start the season, and did so again in the fourth race of the season in Japan. But in May, Pérez's performance began to slip, and he never recovered, ultimately losing his seat. Without both cars performing, Red Bull was vulnerable. McLaren came storming back, Ferrari joined the constructors' fight, with the papaya cars coming out on top by season's end. Throughout that season, from a performance perspective at least, Horner's position never seemed under threat. But the number of high-profile departures raised questions. Horner had the Yoovidhya family's support over the last 18 months, and they own 51 percent of the parent company's shares. Mark Mateschitz, the son of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich, owns the other 49 percent. But the on-track downturn complicated matters, and the car became one where neither driver could consistently extract competitive performance. This year, Verstappen produced two sensational victories in Japan and Emilia-Romagna, but the gulf between Red Bull and the leaders, McLaren, is evident — currently, it stands at 288 points. Dietrich Mateschitz bought the Jaguar Racing team in 2004 and rebranded it Red Bull Racing, the team joining the grid a year later with Horner as team principal. Within five years, Red Bull went from an unproven project to a dominant force on the grid, securing the drivers' titles from 2010 to 2013. It was the start of a dominant run. But after a major regulation change in 2014, Mercedes took control of the sport, and Red Bull — then using underperforming Renault engines — struggled to compete. The 2016 campaign (Verstappen's debut season) proved to be stronger. The return to the championships didn't happen until the 2021 season, when Verstappen battled Lewis Hamilton and secured his first title after a controversial finish to the Abu Dhabi GP. Red Bull, Verstappen and Pérez, who joined in 2021, continued their climb back to glory, as it won the constructors' titles in 2022 and 2023 and Verstappen won three consecutive championships. Advertisement But Verstappen's 2024 title didn't come easily as the rest of the grid began catching up, and issues with the car became more pronounced as the year wore on, though not as visible as this season, likely because of Verstappen's talent. Now, as another major regulation shift looms, the cracks in Red Bull's armor are hard to ignore. Balance problems persist and questions about Verstappen's future loom large. But if Red Bull once again climbs back to the top, it won't be Horner at the helm this time.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Christian Horner's fate may have been sealed after ‘cold' interaction with Red Bull owners at Austrian Grand Prix
CHRISTIAN HORNER'S fate my have been sealed after a frosty interaction with Red Bull's owners in Austria, reports claim. Horner was sensationally SACKED by Red Bull with immediate effect after 20 years as team principal on Wednesday. 6 6 Horner has faced a turbulent 18 months on and off the track, after the sexting scandal over inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague leaked in March 2024. The Brit, 51, has had several rows with Jos Verstappen, father of star driver Max, since the fallout, with several high-profile figures quitting the team, including legendary chief designer Adrian Newey. Reports of hostility among Red Bull's team have continued to grow even after Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing by an internal investigation. And there has been reports of a growing rift between Horner and Red Bull's Thai owners, who chose not to sack him after the scandal broke. F1 journalist Joal Lischika reported seeing the owners greet Horner "coldly" in the hospitality unit at the Austria Grand Prix weekend in June. The Yoovidhya family, through Chalerm Yoovidhya, holds the majority 51 per cent stake, while the late Dietrich Mateschitz's son, Mark Mateschitz, inherited his 49 per cent share. To make matters worse Red Bull suffered its worst home race result in recent history, with Max Verstappen crashing out after three laps after being hit by Mercedes No2 Kimi Antontelli. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda had a particularly difficult time, being lapped twice on his way to finish dead-last of those who crossed the chequered flag. 6 6 Four-time world champion Verstappen, 27, qualified down in seventh, while Tsunoda finished qualifying in P18. Despite reports, Horner and the majority owners put on a show of unity as they posed for pictures in the paddock in Austria on June 29. But according to Lischika, there was apparently a growing feeling that Horner simply held too much power, after taking charge of operations during Red Bull's inception in 2005. Red Bull's Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix Horner, married to Spice Girl Geri Haliwell, was chairman of Red Bull Racing, Red Bull Technology, Red Bull Power Trains, and marketing. The owners have since appointed Laurent Mekies as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing, stepping up from the Racing Bulls team. Horner reportedly had another row with Jos at Silverstone on Sunday, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. Schumacher told the Boxengasse-podcast: "There was another argument or a heated exchange, at least visually and verbally between Jos, Christian Horner, and the press officer. "You could see that Jos was anything but happy with the situation". 6 It comes after a series of rows between Verstappen Snr and Horner, with the Dutchman repeatedly calling for Horner's dismissal after the sexting scandal broke hours before the Bahrain race in 2024. Horner's wife Geri was reportedly devastated by the scandal, but stood by her husband in showing signs of solidarity at key races. In total, Horner won EIGHT drivers' championships and six constructors' titles. For the first time ever, a new team principal, Mekies, will lead Red Bull at the Belgian Grand Prix on July 27 after a three week break. 6
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Police hunt Silverstone F1 steering wheel thief as 20 British GP arrests made
A total of 34 crimes were reported with 20 arrests made at Silverstone over the British Grand Prix weekend, while Northamptonshire Police want to speak with a man in relation to the theft of a classic F1 car steering wheel A steering wheel from an iconic classic Formula 1 car, valued at over £2,500, was stolen from a vintage motor on show at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix. It was one of several incidents reported to police after a spate of damage caused to vehicles on site at the Northamptonshire circuit. The engineer in charge of the classic car, the Leyton House CG901 designed by Adrian Newey and raced in the 1990 F1 season, lamented the lax security, and said the theft had left a "sour taste in the mouth" regarding the event. The incident occurred at around 2.30pm on Friday as the team ate their lunch. Race engineer Russell Sheppard spoke of how the 1990 Leyton House CG901 was scheduled for a track run and only managed to participate thanks to a replacement wheel found at the last minute. Sheppard, employed by Martin Stretton Racing, declared the stolen wheel irreplaceable. "We'd just left the car for lunch, we came back and went to do some work on the car, and it's like, 'Where's the steering wheel?'" he told the Press Association. "It's very sad, because it's an original piece of the car, original piece of history for it." Sign up to our free weekly F1 newsletter, Pit Lane Chronicle, by entering your email address below so that every new edition lands straight in your inbox! Northamptonshire Police have circulated a CCTV image of an individual they're keen to question in relation to the theft. Sheppard said he just wants to see the steering wheel returned to the car where it belongs. He said: "It's bespoke to the car, because the 1990s cars, the cockpits are so small you have to have a small wheel with a very small grip on it. I've been speaking to the people who made it in Italy originally, and sadly, they don't produce them anymore. We've got to go down the road of getting one bespoke made. It's just the hassle, it's the cost, it's an unnecessary procedure you have to go through which we shouldn't have to be doing." Another historic F1 car exhibited by the team was treated "like a climbing frame" by attendees, Sheppard said, while an additional vehicle suffered damage worth thousands when someone attempted to clamber inside, according to police. Sheppard said: "We had a Forti, another 1996 Formula 1 car on one of the other stands, and people were just using it like a climbing frame. We haven't seen any damage on that yet. We're just about going through it today. "We're here to show off history and keep things moving and alive. People doing things like this, sadly, it puts a sour taste in your mouth. Hopefully next time, security will be even more. Sadly, the security guards aren't security people. They're just people that stand there. They're not being informed of what to do and how to do it." The event drew a massive crowd, with around 500,000 people visiting the circuit over the weekend. On Sunday, 168,000 people witnessed Lando Norris clinch his first-ever British Grand Prix victory. During the event, police reported a total of 34 crimes, including theft, criminal damage, assault and drug possession, resulting in 20 arrests. A classic Formula 1 car exhibited at Silverstone suffered "several thousands of pounds worth of damage", according to police. The damage was allegedly caused by an individual who "accessed the display stand and climbed into the vehicle". Three men, aged 23, 25 and 27, were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage but were subsequently released without any further action. One of them was popular YouTuber AngryGinge who said he spent 15 hours in a cell overnight and maintained he had done nothing wrong.
