Adrian Newey explains what he’s ‘admired’ most about Lance Stroll before joining Aston Martin

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Aston Martin has arguably set itself up for championship success in the next couple of years after the key signing of Adrian Newey.

Adrian Newey has produced some of the best and most successful cars of the current generation, with 12 Drivers’ and 13 Constructors’ Championships split between years at Williams, McLaren and most recently Red Bull.

Billionaire owner of Aston Martin, Lawrence Stroll, will be paying Newey a reported £30m-a-year to Newey in a bid to replicate his success at those teams with the marquee car brand.

While Newey will also finally achieve one of his dreams of working alongside two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso, some have questioned whether Lance Stroll should be part of the team moving forward given he has struggled to meet the results of his teammate this season.

Newey offered some words of encouragement when asked to describe his thoughts on Aston Martin’s current lineup at their official announcement.

Adrian Newey praises Lance Stroll after seeing him in Formula 3

Stroll has raced for Aston Martin since they returned to F1 under the name in 2021 but has yet to achieve a podium with the team.

He is currently on 24 points while Alonso has scored 50 points and desperately needs to improve his form if he wants to retain his seat for the 2026 season.

Stroll’s rolling contract was subsequently renewed for the 2025 season and Newey seemed to be happy that he is currently part of the project having seen him race in European Formula 3.

“Lance I’ve known for many years back in his F3 days when my lad Harry was also racing at the same time Lance was. So admired him, he dominated the second half of that year in F3,” said Newey.

Lance Stroll faces test in Adrian Newey-designed Aston Martin

With Alonso and Stroll in the team, you could argue that Aston Martin have set up a clear number one and number two driver status already should they be in a position to challenge for the title in 2026.

Stroll was kept onboard as a continuity option for Aston Martin, even if he results last year could have been the main factor in potentially costing them fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.

Alonso admitted that he was ‘surprised’ after their first season together, highlighting his dedicated throughout the 2023 season to get his year back on track after numerous setbacks.

When the 2026 season comes along it will be Stroll’s ninth season in F1 and arguably faces the biggest test of his career if he is unable to match Alonso in a Newey-designed car.