Aston Martin may replace Adrian Newey with ‘the new Laurent Mekies’ after just one year

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Adrian Newey is set to take the reins of Aston Martin at the beginning of the 2026 Formula 1 season, and one theory suggests that he will be in the role until the Silverstone-based outfit find ‘the new Laurent Mekies’.

Aston Martin announced a shake-up of their leadership pyramid ahead of the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, which will see Adrian Newey become the team principal of the F1 outfit in 2026.

It marks the first time in the design genius’ illustrious career in the leading category of single-seater motor racing that he will be fronting a Formula 1 team from the position of team principal.

After it was announced after the most recent Las Vegas Grand Prix that Andy Cowell wouldn’t remain in the role in future seasons, Christian Horner was believed to be the man who would take up the mantle once his gardening leave from Red Bull had expired.

However, the move means that Horner will miss out on an F1 return with Aston Martin, and it is understood that he has now switched attention to one of the team’s on-grid rivals.

• READ MORE: Ferrari saw Adrian Newey’s Aston Martin problems coming when they decided not to sign him last year

Tim Hauraney believes Adrian Newey’s appointment at Aston Martin is more of an interim role

Speaking on an episode of the Nailing the Apex podcast with F1 journalist Nelson Valkenburg, Tim Hauraney gave his verdict on the move.

The former race car driver doesn’t believe it to be a permanent role for the 66-year-old.

He said, “From those who I’ve spoken with, it does feel like this is just going to be something that’s going to be for maybe a year, maybe two at the most.

“Until they see something that they really like and bring that person over. I don’t think that individual is Christian Horner because obviously, his gardening leave goes until January.

“There were a lot of reports circulating after the Vegas Grand Prix that Horner was going to be working with Aston Martin, he could potentially be a team principal or someone there higher up at the team.

“I don’t see that happening. I mean, this is Formula 1. Stranger things have happened, but the fact that Newey and Horner just never really got along at Red Bull Racing.”

Valkenburg then added, “Well, it deteriorated at the end and not just for Adrian Newey, but also his family a little bit.

“But if that scenario is right, that this is a two-year thing and it gives them time to look for, let’s say, the new Laurent Mekies or something like that. That’s fine in itself.”

• READ MORE: Aston Martin left the backdoor open for Christian Horner after Adrian Newey gave him a secret tour

There is still one possible way for Christian Horner to join Adrian Newey at Aston Martin

Since his exit from Red Bull in July, the one concrete piece of information regarding Horner’s return to the F1 paddock is that he wants to have a stake in whichever team’s colours he dons next.

His lack of ownership of the Austrian constructor that he spent 20 years at the helm of is one of the reasons why he was thrust out of his position as CEO and team principal so easily.

Lawrence Stroll is looking for investors, which could certainly be Horner’s route into cementing a position for himself at another F1 team.

The British executive received an eye-watering payout during his exit negotiations from Red Bull, which means that he isn’t short on the sort of capital that it takes to purchase a percentage of a Formula 1 team in today’s climate.