Newey acknowledges his health struggles and expresses his desire for Alonso to remain until 2027.

      Adrian Newey has acknowledged that Aston Martin’s struggling 2026 car is largely a consequence of decisions he advocated for, while also announcing that the team’s long-awaited significant upgrade will finally make its debut in Hungary.

      After spending months mostly out of the public eye while serving as Aston Martin’s team principal, Newey shared that he has been dealing with health issues, which explains why Mike Krack has taken on a more visible role.

      "It was a difficult decision," Newey stated regarding Aston Martin’s strategy to hold out for one substantial upgrade instead of rolling out smaller packages during the first half of the season. "While others have been improving their performance, we’ve been effectively stagnant in relative terms, making each weekend feel increasingly challenging."

      "However, we believe it’s the right choice - the best investment for our future," he added. Newey acknowledged that Aston Martin's issues extend far beyond just the uncompetitive car. "We relied on tools and processes that were inadequately modified over the years," he noted. "Some of these can be traced back to the early days of the Jordan team."

      He also took responsibility for certain technical decisions related to the current car. "Aerodynamically, we took an audacious direction - which was mainly driven by me," Newey conceded. "I wouldn’t say the path we’ve chosen is inherently incorrect, but it has presented challenges we didn’t foresee."

      The long-anticipated B-spec car is now set to be introduced at the Hungarian GP "on both cars," the 67-year-old confirmed, explaining that it is a comprehensive aerodynamic package alongside significant weight reductions. "The goal is to come very close to the weight limit."

      Newey also verified reports indicating that health issues impacted him for much of last year and so far in 2026. "I’m fine now, but it’s been a tough time," he shared. "Honestly, I was not at my best last year. I had to carefully balance my health and work commitments."

      He clarified that Krack’s increased presence at race weekends is intentional and not indicative of any shift in internal power dynamics. "At the track, Mike’s role involves representing the team publicly and handling media interactions, and he excels at it. This setup allows me to concentrate my efforts where I can contribute the most."

      Newey further recognized that Fernando Alonso’s future beyond 2026 could depend on the success of the Hungary upgrade. "It’s very crucial," he remarked. "Fernando is eagerly anticipating the upgrade, and if it performs well, we hope he’ll be in the car for another season."

      "His experience, feel for the car, and ability to steer development make him an invaluable asset. But he needs to see clear, tangible progress." He concluded, "If we can demonstrate that we are moving decisively in the right direction, he is fully committed to remaining behind the wheel."