Why we are still waiting for the 'Newey effect' - F1 Q&A

Formula 1 is in summer break before the Dutch Grand Prix (21-23 August), but BBC Sport F1’s Andrew Benson continues answering questions on what people call the “Newey effect.” Despite Aston Martin’s new package, Benson said the expected impact has been delayed by timing: the 2026 aerodynamic rules were published Jan. 2, while Adrian Newey’s official start as managing technical partner was March 2, forcing a switch from the team’s earlier work and creating a two-month backlog. The wind tunnel wasn’t ready to accept modelling until mid-April, and Aston Martin only realized in November that Honda was far behind on engine design. The debut car in Hungary arrived lighter with improved downforce, cutting laps by about two seconds; the first full Newey-led design is expected in 2027 after Honda’s 2027 engine progress.