Adrian Newey, the managing technical partner at Aston Martin, has come out in support of Lance Stroll amidst criticism surrounding the Canadian racer’s performance. Stroll, who has faced scrutiny for his high-profile errors since his Formula 1 debut in 2017, recently encountered more trouble at the Monaco Grand Prix. During the event, he was involved in an incident that forced him to retire from FP1 after colliding with Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, leading to a gearbox change and a one-place grid penalty.
Despite qualifying in 19th place, Stroll’s position remains unchanged due to a penalty incurred by another driver. The Aston Martin team took responsibility for the mishap, attributing it to a lack of clarity in their radio communication. Andy Cowell, the team principal, explained the situation, stating that a broken rear wishbone and floor damage necessitated the gearbox change. Newey, who was present at the race as part of his new role at Aston Martin, witnessed the events unfold.
When questioned about Stroll’s reputation, Newey was quick to defend the 26-year-old racer, praising his abilities in comparison to his past teammates such as Sergio Perez, Nico Hulkenberg, Sebastian Vettel, and Fernando Alonso. Newey expressed his belief that Stroll is often underestimated and deserves more credit for his skills. While Newey’s position at Aston Martin may require him to support Stroll publicly, his admiration for Alonso, a two-time world champion, is evident.
In his role as managing technical partner, Newey is already working on the 2026 car for Aston Martin, exploring innovative solutions within the new regulatory framework. The current driver lineup of Stroll and Alonso is expected to continue into the next season, indicating the team’s confidence in their abilities. Despite any criticisms, Newey remains a fan of Alonso and appreciates the opportunity to work with him, having missed out on collaborating with Lewis Hamilton in the past.
Overall, Newey’s support for Stroll and admiration for Alonso highlight the complexities of the Formula 1 world. While Stroll may have his detractors, Newey’s perspective offers a different view on the talented racer’s career. As Aston Martin navigates the challenges of the sport, the team’s lineup and technical direction under Newey’s guidance will be crucial in their quest for success.
