Canadian GP podium (motorsportweek.com)
The two-time F1 champion reflects on the near-misses with the renowned Red Bull designer and his admiration for Newey’s impact on Formula 1.
Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso has revealed his regret at never having the chance to collaborate with F1 design maestro Adrian Newey, describing him as a “legend of the sport.” Newey, who has been with Red Bull for almost two decades, had discussions with Ferrari in 2014, driven by frustration with the uncompetitive Renault engine powering Red Bull designs at the start of F1’s hybrid era.
Alonso, who could have extended his stay at Ferrari if Newey had joined the team, expressed emotional regret over turning down the opportunity. He admitted that he would have loved to work with either Alonso or Lewis Hamilton, acknowledging that working with them would have been “fabulous.”
Despite never officially working together, Alonso considers Newey an incredible person and feels fortunate to have shared the F1 environment with him. Newey’s commitment to Red Bull has led to the team’s return to title-winning success, securing back-to-back Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships with Max Verstappen.
Alonso, who last achieved victory in 2013 with Ferrari, experienced challenges and team changes, including a turbulent tenure with McLaren from 2015 to 2018. His return to F1 with Alpine in 2021 was short-lived, leading to a surprise switch to Aston Martin in 2023. The rejuvenated partnership between Alonso and Aston Martin posed a strong challenge to Red Bull, with eight podium appearances in the 2023 season.
Reflecting on his current team, Alonso expressed satisfaction with the fit at Aston Martin, praising the team’s youth, motivation, and dedication to the project. While the missed opportunity to work with Newey remains a source of regret, Alonso is content with his role in the sport and appreciates the time he’s living and driving during Newey’s impactful contributions to Formula 1 car design.