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

BBC Sport F1 correspondent Andrew Benson is available to answer your latest questions after the summer break, which will see the Dutch Grand Prix return from 21-23 August. The new Aston Martin package, while strong on paper, falls short of expectations, leading to the inquiry about the 'Newey effect'. The delay in the Aston Martin-Honda package's success can be attributed to a series of challenges.

Adrian Newey, the renowned designer, joined Aston Martin as managing technical partner on 2 March 2026, two months after the initial plans. However, the wind tunnel for modelling was only operational from mid-April, leaving the team nearly four months behind their competitors. Moreover, it wasn't until November last year that Aston Martin realized Honda's engine was significantly lagging in development.

Consequently, the team had to overhaul its processes, improve organisation, and rethink the car, resulting in a lighter design with enhanced downforce, cutting lap times by approximately two seconds by the time of the Hungarian Grand Prix. The introduction of Honda's engine at the next race – the Dutch Grand Prix – is expected to reduce the gap to leading engines, but it may not completely eliminate it.

Full implementation of the Newey-led design could take until 2027, contingent on the performance of Honda's 2027 engine. As for the drivers' preparations for the Malaysian Grand Prix, the introduction of Malaysia as a new race on the calendar adds complexity. While the drivers are accustomed to the challenges posed by tropical conditions, the change in time zones requires adaptation.

The drivers and teams will typically follow European time for Singapore, especially considering the night race schedule, while Malaysia will necessitate a shift to local time. Lastly, regarding the potential end-of-season races in Europe due to geopolitical tensions, Imola in Italy is the most likely candidate. While colder weather might lead to a more processional race with reduced grip, the temperature in Las Vegas at the end of November is comparable and poses no significant issue for tyre performance.

Other proposed locations, such as South Africa, Portugal, or Thailand, face significant logistical and financial challenges, making Imola the most feasible option at present.