Adrian Newey Spotted Inspecting Audi R26 Ahead of Australian GP
Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey was seen by PlanetF1.com examining Nico Hulkenberg’s Audi ahead of Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix.
The start of the F1 2026 season proved challenging for Aston Martin, with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll failing to finish the race.
Newey’s inspection of the Audi R26 on the grid highlights the ongoing technical focus as teams look to optimize performance early in the season.
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Adrian Newey Spotted Inspecting Rival Cars Ahead of Australian GP
Legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, now Aston Martin team principal, is known for studying rival cars on the grid before each race. PlanetF1.com editor Mat Coch spotted Newey examining Nico Hulkenberg’s Audi R26 shortly before the start of the Australian Grand Prix.
Mattia Binotto, Audi F1 team principal, was also observing after a terminal issue was detected on Hulkenberg’s car. Audi’s innovative B-spec chassis with its new sidepod design, first unveiled during pre-season testing in Bahrain, has drawn attention for signaling the team’s ambitions ahead of its debut season.
Newey’s inspection continues a pattern from last year, when he closely examined the McLaren MCL39, driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, at several races. He also scrutinized the Red Bull RB21 driven by Max Verstappen at the penultimate round in Qatar.
Newey’s trackside observations highlight how technical leaders like him analyze competitors to gain an edge, with attention to both design and performance nuances.
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