Adrian Newey set to miss several F1 races as health update given

May 6, 2026 - 17:15
Adrian Newey set to miss several F1 races as health update given

Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey is working from home after being hospitalised.

Newey was absent from the Miami Grand Prix last weekend having not attended a race since the season opener in Melbourne, Australia.

Adrian Newey speaking at a press conference
Newey signed for Aston Martin ahead of the 2026 season
Getty

The Daily Mail reports that Newey required hospital treatment after suffering a ’bout of illness’.

The report adds that it is an ‘issue that has beset him the last few weeks’, and he is now working remotely from his Berkshire home.

An Aston Martin spokesman said: “We don’t comment on personal matters relating to any of our team members.

“Adrian is working and was on campus last week.”

It remains to be seen when Newey will return to his normal working patterns, but he is at risk of not returning until after Canada, which is being held on from May 22-24.

It is understood that Newey is only contracted to attend 10-14 races per season, with his presence determined by where he feels he can add the most value.

Newey has taken a step back from team principal duties to focus n merely on the car design with Andy Cowell taking on the responsibility of team principal instead as of March.

Cowell has been travelling to Japan to work alongside Honda to address their major engine issues.

Newey stands as the most decorated individual in F1 history, with involvement in more than 200 race wins and a combined 26 drivers’ and constructors’ titles for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull.

The 67-year-old assumed the role of team principal for the Aston Martin F1 team ahead of the 2026 season.

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso sits in his car at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne
Fernando Alonso drove the Aston Martin even though there were risks to his health
AFP

Tough start for Aston Martin

The team has endured a tough start to the season having yet to score a single point.

In the Sunshine state, Aston Martin’s quickest time in sprint qualifying was slower than the fastest car in Formula 2.

His first full season in Lawrence Stroll’s team has been held up by the Honda engine, which is causing vibrations that forced both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso to retire from their opening two races.

Aston Martin has experienced various issues with the engine, including vibrations that risk causing permanent nerve damage to the drivers, even before they complete a full race distance.

Honda Hazard

Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Newey said: “That vibration into the chassis is causing a few reliability problems.

“Mirrors falling off, tail lights falling off – all that sort of thing, which we are having to address.

Alonso achieved eight podiums in 2023
AFP

“But the much more significant problem is that the vibration is transmitted ultimately into the driver’s fingers.

“So Fernando [Alonso] is of the feeling that he can’t do more than 25 laps consecutively before he will risk permanent nerve damage to his hands.

“Lance [Stroll] is of the opinion that he can’t do more than 15 laps before that threshold.”

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