Adrian Newey was taken to the hospital for treatment due to an illness during the Miami Grand Prix.
Adrian Newey had to miss the Miami Grand Prix because he was in the hospital being treated for an illness. After a five-week break, Formula One returned with its first US race of the season in Miami on May 3.
With the time off, all 11 teams got a chance to focus on adjusting to the new rules for the 2026 season, using data from the first three races. Fans were especially curious to see how Aston Martin would do, as the team had a rough start to the year despite big expectations.
Unfortunately, Miami wasn’t much better for Aston Martin. Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll finished 15th and 17th, in a race where four drivers didn’t finish. What made it tougher was that their team boss, Adrian Newey, wasn’t there. He had to stay in the hospital due to a “bout of illness,” but he’s now mostly working from home and getting better.
Newey hasn’t been at a race since the Australian Grand Prix in March. Reports say his contract only asks him to attend 10 to 14 out of the 24 races each season. He chooses which races to go to based on where he feels he can help the most.
Aston Martin responded to questions about Newey’s health by saying, “We don’t comment on personal matters relating to any of our team members. Adrian is working and was on campus last week.”
It’s been a tough start for Aston Martin in 2026. After four races, they still haven’t scored any points because their car is having big problems with vibrations from the new Honda engine. Because of this, there are stories that Newey might step down as team principal soon.
Jonathan Wheatley, formerly of Audi, is said to be the top choice to take over. Newey will stay with the team in a different role and is even helping to find his replacement.