Helmut Marko claims Adrian Newey is ‘not doing well’ after speaking with Aston Martin boss

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Helmut Marko has been “in contact” with Adrian Newey amid Aston Martin’s dire start to the 2026 F1 season, which is now set to see him step down as their team principal.

Newey took full control of the operations at Aston Martin this season, having added the role of team principal alongside his existing duties as the managing technical partner. But Newey has failed to get Aston Martin going, with their Honda engine partnership causing problems.

Aston Martin and Honda embarked on an exclusive works power unit partnership from 2026 after the new regulations convinced the Japanese outfit to re-commit to the sport. However, Honda have had horrific reliability issues and Aston Martin are yet to complete a Grand Prix.

Audi confirm Jonathan Wheatley’s exit – Who should take over as their team principal?

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Helmut Marko says Adrian Newey is ‘not doing well’ amid Aston Martin’s dire start to 2026

Such a dire start to the 2026 F1 season has also now seen reports emerge that Aston Martin are interested in Jonathan Wheatley replacing Newey as team principal. Wheatley, who also left Audi last week after a mere 10 months, would free Newey to focus on fixing the AMR26.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Aston Martin F1 team principal Adrian Newey

Marko, who worked with Newey for 19 years at Red Bull, has spoken with his old colleague amid Aston Martin’s challenging start to the term. He admits the Briton is “not doing well” given the circumstances, which the Austrian doubts Aston Martin will be able to fix quickly.

Marko told OE24: “I’ve been in contact with him. He’s not doing well. There are problems with this project that won’t be solved quickly.”

It is said that Honda are confident they can fix their engine vibration issues, which have so far been the biggest problem preventing Aston Martin from completing a race. But the fix will not also resolve Aston Martin’s clear lack of grip from Newey’s car also lacking downforce.

Newey also revealed before the first race in Australia that their drivers were fearing nerve damage in their hands, with the Briton claiming Fernando Alonso doubted he could do 25 laps and Lance Stroll suggested his limit was 15. They completed 21 and 43 laps in the end.

Honda’s vibration issues also forced Alonso to retire after 32 laps and Stroll after nine laps in the Chinese Grand Prix last time out. Additionally, Alonso regularly had to take his hands off his steering wheel in China as he lost sensation, as well as in his feet, due to the vibrations.