F1 champion backs Newey for 'biggest achievement' with Aston Martin

Nigel Mansell has tipped Adrian Newey to deliver his "biggest achievement yet" in turning Aston Martin into an F1 championship-contending team. 

Newey is joining Aston Martin as a managing technical partner on March 1, 2025, and will be free to work on the significant reset to the technical regulations coming into force for 2026. 

Aston has been heavily investing in its infrastructure, with a brand-new factory and wind tunnel coming online ahead of the 2026 revamp, when the team will also become a full works outfit with a Honda power unit deal. 

Newey has helped to turn Williams, McLaren and Red Bull into F1 champions during his time in F1, leading to Mansell, who won Newey's first titles at Williams in 1992, believing his former designer can add to his success. 

"I think what he can do at Aston Martin could be his biggest achievement to come yet because I think he can turn that team around very quickly," Mansell told Top Offshore Sportsbooks. 

"I think next year they’re going to be even more competitive than what they’ve been this year, and Red Bull, they’ve already just demonstrated without him, they’ve lost their dominance. What’s the one thing that they’ve lost? Adrian Newey.

"Aston Martin has done something very special in securing his services. I think people have underestimated as well that I don’t think Adrian was totally happy in the last few years with Red Bull and what a fantastic job he’s done.

"Now being in the UK, being with Aston Martin, I think Adrian will find a little bit more energy and a bit more direction. 

"If he feels comfortable, which I’m sure he does with Aston Martin, I think watch this space. I think he could do something very special."