1996 System 1 champion Damon Hill has backed Adrian Newey to “wave his magic wand over Aston Martin” because the “grasp of seeing by way of the rules”.
Newey left his position as chief technical officer at Pink Bull in 2024 after virtually 20 years with the crew, and joined Aston Martin because the managing technical associate in 2025. He can even function crew principal of the Silverstone outfit in 2026.
The Briton has been behind a few of the most profitable automobiles within the championship, together with Hill’s championship-winning Williams in 1996 and the Pink Bull RB19, which gained all however one race within the 2023 season.
With a brand new wave of rules coming into the collection in 2026, Hill believes that Newey may affect a “shock” season for Aston Martin.
“Sure, you would [see a changing of the guard in F1 this year]. I imply, we may see a whole shock,” Hill instructed TalkSPORT.
Hill labored with Newey throughout his time at Williams. Not solely did Newey design Hill’s profitable automotive, however he additionally had a hands-on position with the previous driver to help his race engineer, Tim Preston, who was new to the job.
Winner Damon Hill, Williams, Adrian Newey, Williams, second place Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, third place Mika Hakkinen, McLaren
Photograph by: Motorsport Pictures
“One thing like when Jenson Button gained with Brawn, they shocked everybody as a result of they noticed by way of the rules,” he continued.
“And the grasp of seeing by way of the rules is Adrian Newey, who’s gone to Aston Martin. He left Pink Bull and Max Verstappen behind, and Christian Horner has left that crew anyway. However he is gone off to Aston Martin.
“He is been engaged on this venture now for a superb 18 months or so. So we’re kind of anticipating him to wave his magic wand over Aston Martin. It may occur.”
Followers have a little bit longer to attend to see the extremely anticipated livery for the 2026 Aston Martin, which will likely be unveiled at a launch occasion on 9 February.
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