Autobayng News Team
Fernando Alonso downplayed suggestions Christian Horner could join Aston Martin following the team’s latest shake-up of its management.
Aston Martin announced yesterday Adrian Newey will take over as its team principal for the 2026 F1 season. He will replace Andy Cowell who has been given the new role of chief strategy officer.
The announcement followed reports elsewhere Cowell would move aside to make way for former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. He and Newey worked together at the team for 19 years until the star designer left last season.
Asked whether Horner could still join the team in another capacity, Alonso said Aston Martin does not need any additions to its management team.
“I don’t know, I don’t think that’s a question for me at the moment,” he told Sky. “But I think with Adrian taking the role now, Andy taking different responsibilities as well and he’s very capable of doing good things, Lawrence [Stroll’s] a great leader, determined, [giving] maximum commitment always, things like that, I don’t think that we need any more people in the management. But obviously it’s not my decision.”
Newey’s two predecessors as team principal are still at Aston Martin. Mike Krack became chief trackside officer after Cowell replaced him in charge at the beginning of the season.
Aston Martin announced it had signed Newey in September this year. Alonso said Newey’s arrival has made the team a more attractive destination for those looking to work in F1.
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“I think having Adrian in the team attracts talent,” he said. “That’s for sure. Everyone would like to work with Adrian Newey and learn from him and all this kind of stuff.
“So him being a team principal, I’m sure we will have even more people dreaming of joining the team, so that’s good news for us.”
However Alonso hopes Newey’s time will not be taken over by other responsibilities when he moves into his new role.
“I think he has all the skills, to be honest, to make a fast car,” he said. “Then the role of team principal is a little bit different nowadays and you have to deal with other things other stuff or media or commitments or sponsors or something like that.
“I hope Adrian doesn’t need to do all of those and concentrate more in the important stuff. But he knows how to operate a team and how everyone should focus in in one direction so he’s a great leader and I’m happy with this announcement.”
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