Adrian Newey sent to ‘spy’ on two McLaren ‘tricks’ on their 2025 F1 car at Silverstone for Aston Martin inspiration

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Aston Martin signed Adrian Newey from Red Bull Racing as chief technology officer with one goal in mind.

The 2026 F1 regulations will see every team on the grid forced to completely redesign their cars, and Adrian Newey has been tasked with making Aston Martin the team to beat.

Newey decided during the 2024 F1 season that after nearly two decades of helping Red Bull dominate the sport, he needed a new challenge.

Lawrence Stroll won the race for his signature, and Newey has been hard at work behind the scenes preparing for next season.

However, when the opportunity arose for Newey to attend the British Grand Prix, being held just a stone’s throw away from the team’s Silverstone base, he couldn’t turn it down.

Newey hasn’t attended many races since his move to Aston Martin, but there was one car in particular he was very keen to study on Sunday.

READ MORE: All to know about Aston Martin managing technical partner Adrian Newey

Adrian Newey sent to ‘spy’ on McLaren’s suspension and rear tyres for Aston Martin

McLaren have been the dominant force on the grid this season, and many believe they’ve already wrapped up the constructors’ championship.

Teams have been suspicious of McLaren’s car this season, but the FIA have had no issues with the MCL39 as it’s stormed to nine victories in the first 12 Grand Prix of 2025.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finished first and second at the British Grand Prix, and for a short time, it looked like Lance Stroll might join them on the podium.

Stroll drew comparisons to Ayrton Senna with his racing in the wet, while Fernando Alonso lamented his team’s poor strategy that saw him end up finishing ninth.

A report from the Spanish outlet Marca has shared more details about Newey’s movements over the course of the day.

They believe that on the grid on Sunday, Newey was sent to ‘spy’ on Aston Martin’s rivals, including McLaren.

It’s been suggested that he was paying particular attention to the rear of McLaren’s car, and in particular, how they managed to keep their tyres so cool and prevent overheating.

Not only this, but Newey was ‘focused’ on the suspension of both cars.

Next year’s cars will have movable aerodynamics, but there are still concepts from this year’s machines that can be carried over.

READ MORE: All you need to know about McLaren F1 Team from team principal to engine

Fernando Alonso frustrated by ‘missed opportunity’ at the British Grand Prix

For Aston Martin, the focus this season is on trying to secure fifth in the constructors’ championship while not sacrificing any of the work they’re doing on next year’s car.

They currently sit 23 points behind Williams, although James Vowles’ team have completely abandoned this year’s project.

There are very high hopes for 2026 at Aston Martin, with the likes of Newey and Enrico Cardile brought in to concentrate on the project, and the imminent arrival of Honda power units.

Alonso and Stroll are both signed up for 2026, but the two-time world champion will know that Aston Martin need to improve in all areas to fight against the strongest manufacturers.

Speaking after the British Grand Prix in his official post-race interview, Alonso said: “I feel like it was a missed opportunity today despite scoring some points.

“It was difficult to read with the rain falling again, and we lost some positions in the first pit stop.

“For the second pit-stop, we pitted too soon and I lost a lot of time on a slightly damp track with slick tyres.

“We had some good pace, but in the end, we weren’t able to capitalise on an eventful race. I am very happy for Nico [Hulkenberg] to score his first podium and I hope he enjoys the celebrations.”