Formula 1's Aston Martin principal says team was left blindsided by lack of experienced support

Formula 1's Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey said Friday his group was blindsided by the fact its then-incoming works power unit partner Honda had only retained about 30% of its original world championship-winning staff going into the project. Honda left F1 at the end of 2021, closing out a partnership with Red Bull after a season when Max Verstappen won his maiden title and a move that gave rise to the creation of the energy drinks brand’s own power unit operation.

By STEWART BELL