Questioned about a possible arrival of Christian Horner, Adrian Newey preferred to dodge the question while mentioning future adjustments in Aston Martin’s organization.
Read more Red Bull sounds the alarm in Hungary: “We are not fast enough”
Speculation surrounding Christian Horner’s future continues to stir the Formula 1 paddock. Sidelined from Red Bull in July 2025, the former team principal of the Austrian outfit is regularly rumored to be a candidate for a return, particularly at Aston Martin.
The Briton, whose period of exclusion ended in spring 2026, reportedly explored several possibilities in recent months. His name has been associated with a potential twelfth team project led by Chinese manufacturer BYD, but also with Aston Martin and Alpine.
Present in Hungary, Adrian Newey was asked about the possibility of reuniting with the man with whom he won over a hundred Grands Prix and fourteen world titles at Red Bull. However, the British engineer preferred not to fuel the rumors.
“I know nothing about any of that”
Asked to react to a possible arrival of Christian Horner at Aston Martin, Newey remained particularly cautious.
“I constantly hear these rumors about Christian. I cannot comment further, because I really know nothing about any of that.”
While he did not wish to directly discuss his former boss, Aston Martin’s technical director, however, wanted to express his confidence in the current leadership.
“All I can say is that we are very happy with our management team. We may make some minor adjustments, but we are very happy with the people who make up Aston Martin Racing.”
Newey thus suggests that some organizational changes remain possible, without questioning the current people in charge.
Some adjustments, but no revolution
The Briton believes that the team’s organization will continue to evolve in the coming months to optimize its functioning.
“Regarding the organization of the main team leaders, we will probably still make some small adjustments, but we are very happy with the people in place.”
Beyond the organizational chart, Newey emphasizes above all the work carried out for several months to transform the internal culture of the British team.
Read more Lewis Hamilton warns Ferrari despite the one-two: “There are still things to improve”
After the Australian Grand Prix, Aston Martin chose to slow down the development of its single-seater to focus its efforts on integrating new recruits, improving work tools, and implementing a more efficient organization.
“We decided, after Melbourne, to delay the development of the car to focus on integrating the teams, developing our culture and our tools. I think that is progressing really very well.”
Technical developments reinforce optimism
Newey is also satisfied with the technical direction taken. According to him, the new AMR26 introduced in Hungary, as well as future developments expected in Zandvoort and then in Baku, demonstrate the progress made by Aston Martin.
“On the technical front, with the car we are bringing here and then the planned developments in Zandvoort and then in Baku, I think we have made very significant steps.”
However, the British engineer remains realistic about his team’s situation. He acknowledges that Aston Martin still has a significant gap to close with the leading teams.
“We are clearly in a phase where we need to catch up. Will that make us the fastest car? Unfortunately no.”
He nevertheless believes that the path taken is the right one.
“On the other hand, does this represent a real step forward compared to where we started? Yes, I am convinced of that.”
Horner continues to fuel speculation
Even if Adrian Newey refuses to comment on the rumors, Christian Horner’s name is expected to continue circulating in the paddock in the coming months.
According to several consistent reports, the former Red Bull boss would only want to return to Formula 1 on one condition: to occupy a more important role than that of team principal, with a stake in a team rather than a simple employee status.
While awaiting possible developments, Aston Martin maintains a serene discourse. The team prefers to focus on its internal reorganization and the development of its single-seater rather than on the numerous speculations surrounding its future.
Read more Charles Leclerc soon to be a father? Rumours are intensifying in the paddock in Hungary