Adrian Newey displayed an ‘unseen’ talent at the Qatar Grand Prix that Fernando Alonso loved

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Aston Martin picked up some solid points at the Qatar Grand Prix and crowned Adrian Newey’s first race as team principal in style.

In truth, a lot of his focus will be on the 2026 F1 regulations, which the team has been looking forward to for some time.

The Aston Martin project came into life five years ago, and since then, they’ve been hiring the correct people and investing in their infrastructure for the future.

Fernando Alonso is also pleased, as he gets to work with the legendary Newey for the future, too. He’s a man who has nailed new regulations frequently.

Lawrence Stroll has said Christian Horner won’t join the team, despite suggestions that he could join them last week.

Aston Martin showed Newey ‘instant respect’ by receiving his leadership well since his takeover as team principal. It was another shock move at the end of a chaotic season.

READ MORE: Aston Martin insider says the team are ‘completely out of control’ as Adrian Newey takes over

Fernando Alonso loved Adrian Newey’s ‘unseen’ talent at the Qatar Grand Prix

Newey has hired a former Red Bull chief to join him as Chief Operating Officer. Perhaps he’s trying to get as much of his old gang back together as possible.

Signing Charles Leclerc is ‘more realistic’ with Newey at the helm, but the Monegasque driver hasn’t taken to rumours that he could sign for them too well.

Despite all the work behind the scenes, Alonso may be worried for 2026 after hearing Jak Crawford say his new car feels like ‘an F2 car’.

From a positive standpoint, Alonso reportedly enjoyed an ‘unseen’ aspect of Newey’s leadership at the Qatar Grand Prix, according to Grada3.

His garage speech was a big motivator and reason why the team were able to have a strong weekend. Rallying behind people isn’t something he has really had the chance to do before.

READ MORE: F1 fans think Aston Martin are ‘serious’ about signing two drivers after Adrian Newey announcement

Why the Qatar Grand Prix was so encouraging for Fernando Alonso

In the three races before Qatar, Alonso hadn’t scored any points in a Grand Prix. Immediately, his new boss turned up and helped to produce results.

The Spaniard is set for his worst return in the drivers’ championship since 2017, when McLaren were in their third and last season of having Honda power.

Heading into the season finale at Abu Dhabi, he still has a chance of finishing in the top 10, but he needs to make sure he scores good points again.

Full focus will turn to next year immediately after the final Sunday of the year, and a new dawn for the championship that could completely flip it on its head.