Adrian Newey is with Aston Martin at a race for the first time this weekend Monaco Grand Prix Venue:Monte CarloDates:23-25 MayRace start:14:00 BST on Sunday Coverage:Live commentary of practice and qualifying on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 with race on BBC Radio 5 Live; live text updates on BBC Sport website and app Adrian Newey says Aston Martin's quest to become a competitive team will be hampered because "some of our tools are weak". The design legend joined the team in March and is at a grand prix with the team for the first time in Monaco this weekend. Neweyhas been signed on a five-year contractthat could be worth as much as £30m a year including bonuses and add-ons as they seek to become world champions. Aston Martin have built a new factory at their Silverstone base, but Newey singled out its new simulator as a weak spot. Newey said: "It's fair to say that some of our tools are weak. Particularly the driver-in-the-loop simulator needs a lot of work because it's not correlating at all at the moment, which is a fundamental research tool." The 65-year-old said that Aston Martin would need to "sort out a plan to get it where it needs to be, but that's probably a two-year project in truth". They are seventh in the constructors' championship after seven races this season. Two and a half months into his time with the team, Newey said: "There's a lot of individually very, very good people. We just need to try to get them working together, perhaps in a slightly better organised way. "That's simply a result of the roots of the team at Jordan, that became Force India, that became Racing Point, and was as such always a small but slightly over-performing team, to now in a very short space of time a very big team that the truth is has been underperforming this year." Newey, who joins the team after an illustrious career with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, said one of the factors he was looking forward to in Monaco was working for the first time at a live event with 2005 and 2006 world champion Fernando Alonso. "Fernando, he's such a cool character," Newey said. "He's been an enemy for many years, along with Lewis (Hamilton), and I think I've said before that you can only work with so many drivers, but two drivers I always wanted that I felt I would enjoy working with, were Lewis and Fernando, and I couldn't work with both, so at least I got one of them. "It's only when you get to the racetrack that you really start to develop that relationship, so I'm looking forward to that developing a little bit this season, but particularly next season." He added that he felt that Lance Stroll, the son of team owner Lawrence, "has an unfairly bad rap, on average", adding: "Any driver who gets to Formula 1 is clearly very good, but I think Lance is much better than people who've been very poor." This video can not be played Five things to look out for at the Monaco Grand Prix Asked about rumours that Aston Martin could try to attract four-time world champion Max Verstappen, with whom Newey worked at Red Bull, Newey said: "If we're to ever attract Max, the first thing we have to do is make a fast car." He said he had "no idea" when Aston Martin might be in a position to provide that. Newey has been working full-time on the design of Aston Martin's 2026 car, which will race to the new chassis and engine rules being introduced next season, and for the first time with a Honda engine as the Japanese company become Aston's works partner. "I had a weekend off two weeks ago," he said. "Other than that it's been pretty much full-on since I started in March. My wife, she kind of says I go into a design trance, and I can understand what she means. "When I get into a period of intense concentration I tend to not see left and right. All my processing power is going into the one area, which is trying to work with everybody to design a fast racing car." The2026 rules feature a change in the enginesthat increases the proportion of the power provided by the electrical element of the hybrid engine to about 50%, and introduce movable front and rear wings as part of attempts to harness sufficient electrical energy for the engines to work effectively. Newey said: "When I first looked at the 2026 rules, my first reaction was, 'God, this doesn't leave much.' But then you start to drill into the detail, and there is a reasonable amount of flexibility. Of course, I'd always like more. "I'd imagine you'll see some different solutions at the start of next year. Then, of course, as has happened with these regs, three or four seasons in, everybody starts to converge."
Aston Martin need to improve 'weak tools' - Newey
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Adrian Newey Identifies Weaknesses in Aston Martin's Tools Ahead of Monaco Grand Prix"
Bbc News
8.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Adrian Newey, the renowned designer who recently joined Aston Martin, has expressed concerns about the team's competitiveness due to the inadequacy of some of their tools. Attending the Monaco Grand Prix for the first time since his arrival in March, Newey highlighted the team's driver-in-the-loop simulator as a significant weakness, stating that it fails to provide accurate data, which is essential for research and development. He emphasized that addressing this issue would likely require a two-year commitment to enhance the simulator's capabilities. Currently, Aston Martin is positioned seventh in the constructors' championship after a challenging start to the season, with Newey noting that while the team comprises many talented individuals, they require better organization and collaboration to maximize their potential. This organizational challenge stems from the team's historical evolution from Jordan to Force India and then Racing Point, which has left them as a larger, yet underperforming, team in the current competitive landscape of Formula 1.
Newey, who has a prestigious background with teams like Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, is particularly excited to work alongside two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. He acknowledged Alonso's impressive character and expressed enthusiasm about developing a working relationship with him during the season. Newey also defended Lance Stroll, the son of Aston Martin's owner, against criticism, asserting that Stroll is a capable driver deserving of respect. Regarding speculation about attracting Max Verstappen to Aston Martin, Newey stated that the team must first produce a fast car to entice such talent. Currently, he is focused on designing the team's 2026 car, which will comply with new regulations that include a shift towards hybrid engines with a higher electrical power proportion. Although he initially viewed the new rules as restrictive, Newey has since discovered opportunities for innovation within the framework, anticipating that various solutions will emerge as teams adapt over time.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights Adrian Newey’s initial impressions and challenges faced by Aston Martin after his recent appointment. It underscores the importance of having the right tools and infrastructure in place for a racing team to compete effectively in Formula 1. Newey's critique of the team's simulator suggests that improvements are necessary for Aston Martin to elevate their performance.
Purpose of the Article
The primary intent behind the publication seems to be informing fans and stakeholders about the internal challenges at Aston Martin. By addressing the weaknesses in the team's tools, particularly the simulator, it sets realistic expectations for the team’s performance moving forward. This transparency may also be aimed at managing fan expectations and corporate partnerships, as Newey points out that significant changes are required, which will take time.
Perception Creation
The article aims to create a perception of a team in transition, with a focus on improvement and organization rather than immediate success. By emphasizing that the team has good individual talent but lacks cohesive organization, it suggests that there is potential for growth, albeit over a longer timeframe. This narrative can foster a sense of patience among fans and stakeholders.
Hidden Aspects
There might be elements of the team's struggles that are not fully addressed, such as financial implications or strategic decisions that led to the current situation. While the article mentions the need for a two-year plan, it does not delve into the specifics of what may be causing these issues, leaving out deeper financial or managerial challenges.
Manipulative Aspects
The article does not seem overtly manipulative but may steer readers towards a more sympathetic view of Aston Martin's current struggles. By highlighting Newey's status and previous successes, it subtly aligns the team's future with his expertise, which could lead to heightened expectations for eventual success.
Reliability of Information
The reliability of the information appears solid, given that it is attributed to Adrian Newey, a well-respected figure in the motorsport world. However, the article may benefit from additional perspectives or data points to provide a more rounded view of the team's situation.
Public Sentiment and Community Support
Fans of motorsports, particularly those interested in Formula 1, may resonate more with this article, as it discusses the inner workings of a prominent team. It appeals to a community that values transparency and improvement in competitive sports.
Market Impact
In terms of market implications, this news could influence investor sentiment towards Aston Martin and its associated stock. The focus on improvement may attract potential sponsors or investors who are willing to support a team in its developmental phase.
Global Context and Relevance
While the article does not directly tie into broader geopolitical issues, the performance of teams like Aston Martin in Formula 1 can reflect national pride and industrial capability, especially for countries with a strong motorsport heritage.
Artificial Intelligence Consideration
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence played a role in the writing of this article. However, if AI were utilized, it might have been in the form of data analysis to highlight key performance indicators or trends in team performance over time.
Conclusion
Overall, the article conveys an important narrative about the challenges faced by Aston Martin and sets the stage for future developments within the team. The insights provided by Newey offer a glimpse into the current state of the team and its aspirations, which could resonate well with stakeholders as they navigate this transitional phase.