Jun.5 (GMM) Adrian Newey will return to the Formula 1 paddock in Monaco weekend after weeks of speculation about his absence from Aston Martin’s struggling 2026 campaign.
The design legend’s low profile had fuelled rumours ranging from internal concerns about the team’s disappointing start to suggestions of health issues and even speculation linking former Audi boss Jonathan Wheatley with the team principal role.
However, Aston Martin trackside chief Mike Krack confirmed Newey will be present in Monaco. “We’ll see him this weekend,” Krack said.
“It’s good because he has a lot of experience here and has won a lot. It’s a place where he can help us with his advice.”
Although Newey is ostensibly still team boss, he will not take on all the duties normally associated with a team principal during a race weekend. The team’s ambassador Pedro de la Rosa will instead represent Aston Martin in the FIA press conference, for instance.
Aston Martin’s difficult start to the Honda era remains a major concern.
Honda’s Shintaro Orihara admitted the manufacturer is still waiting for the FIA to finalise planned engine rule adjustments before deciding on its next development steps.
“In the current situation, we are still waiting for the FIA’s decision,” he said.
“Once we receive it, we will have a clear idea of what we need to improve.”
Orihara acknowledged that meaningful engine improvements are unlikely to arrive quickly. “The process of introducing a new engine is a long-term development,” he explained.
“It’s not a short-term development project.”
Asked when an upgraded power unit might appear, he joked: “Perhaps I’d say in summer, but I can’t say which summer.
“The summer in Greece, the summer in England, or the summer in Japan.”
Fernando Alonso, meanwhile, revealed some of Aston Martin’s reliability issues stem directly from Newey’s aggressive design philosophy.
“Adrian always wants to find the limit and, once he’s found it, take a half step back,” the Spaniard said.
“That’s his way of working.”
Alonso said the team is deliberately resisting the temptation to retreat to more conservative solutions. “We know that by going back to more traditional solutions we might get an immediate performance boost,” he explained.
“But we prefer to maintain this philosophy because we believe it can unlock much more potential in the near future.”
The two-time world champion is also hoping a recurring seat issue that led to his retirement in Montreal due to excessive pain has now been solved.
“We worked on it last week, testing various driving positions,” Alonso said.
“We evaluated four different configurations and ultimately reverted to the position used in 2025. The experiments are over.”
Krack confirmed extensive work had been carried out with Alonso earlier this week.
“Luckily, he lives just around the corner,” he said. “So on Tuesday we dedicated a lot of work to it and made many adjustments.”
Alonso believes Monaco will provide an important test for several other unresolved issues. “One of them will undoubtedly be the gearbox,” said the 44-year-old.
“Monaco isn’t the track for random downshifts. You end up in the wall and you’re just a passenger. That’s what we need to correct, and Monaco will tell us the truth.”
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
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