Mar.17 (GMM) Adrian Newey may soon relinquish his new role as Aston Martin team boss amid the team’s horrific start to the 2026 season.
That is the view of well-known Spanish Formula 1 journalist Antonio Lobato, who says tensions are rising at the Silverstone-based outfit following a disastrous opening to the new Honda-powered era.
“There’s a lot of tension right now at Aston Martin, a lot of disappointment, a lot of nerves,” Lobato said on the Soy Motor podcast.
The situation, he believes, goes beyond the reliability vibrations that have plagued Newey’s first Aston Martin.
“There is another, much more significant underlying problem,” Lobato added, pointing to a power deficit from the Honda engine of “well over 50 horsepower”.
The scale of the problem was highlighted in Shanghai, where Alonso retired after painful vibrations left him struggling to hold the steering wheel.
“He completed 33 laps, something we hadn’t done consecutively before,” explained chief trackside officer Mike Krack.
“Fernando said that if you’re fighting for the win, it’s possible to drive like that, but we weren’t in that situation, so it was an easy decision.”
Another striking moment during the race came when Sergio Perez swept past Alonso’s Aston Martin in the Cadillac-powered entry on the straight, prompting the Spaniard to wave at his friend from the cockpit.
“Cadillac was half a second faster than Aston Martin on the straights every lap,” Lobato observed.
The crisis has also raised questions about Aston Martin’s unusual new management structure, with Newey combining his traditional design responsibilities with the unfamiliar role of team principal.
“I would even say there’s a lack of leadership right now,” Lobato said.
“In fact, I think there will soon be a new team principal.”
According to the veteran commentator, Aston Martin is already exploring alternatives.
“They’re looking for one,” he said. “They’ve had three in the last three years, and the last one, Adrian Newey, isn’t fulfilling that role. In fact, he shouldn’t.
“He’s good at what he’s good at.”
Speculation is already swirling that Red Bull boss Christian Horner could re-emerge as a candidate for the job, particularly as Mercedes now seems more likely to buy the available 24 percent stake at Alpine.
Krack insists, however, that Aston Martin is making progress behind the scenes despite the painful start to the year.
“I think people might laugh if I say we’ve made progress,” he admitted.
“But we have learned a lot simply by running and racing.”
He said the vibration issues themselves are not responsible for the team’s huge performance deficit.
“The vibrations are mainly affecting our reliability,” Krack explained. “It’s not something that’s costing us seconds.”
Instead, Aston Martin’s main hope of closing the gap lies in potential power unit development once the FIA allows changes under the new ADUO engine rules.
“If we can have improvements sooner, of course that will help,” he said.
Krack also defended his drivers after Lance Stroll’s curt one-word answers in China raised eyebrows.
“The drivers are investing a lot of energy in this,” he said.
“They are professional athletes, but they are also human beings. The situation is difficult right now.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES