Damon Hill Tips Adrian Newey-Led Aston Martin for Brawn-Style 2026 Upset

Hill cites Newey’s 18-month focus on the 2026 car as the factor that could unlock a turnaround.

Overview

Damon Hill told talkSPORT that Aston Martin could pull off a surprise similar to Brawn GP’s 2009 breakthrough under F1’s new rules.
Adrian Newey joined Aston Martin in March last year to lead its 2026 project and was named team principal at the end of 2025, replacing Andy Cowell.
The team has slid since its 2023 peak, finishing seventh in 2025 and going without a podium since the 2023 São Paulo Grand Prix.
Hill notes Newey has been working on the 2026 program for about 18 months, reinforcing his view that the regulation reset could reorder the field.
Aston Martin has yet to unveil its 2026 car, while partner Honda launched its 2026 power unit in Tokyo with questions lingering over competitiveness.