- SpeedBites
- Posts
- Newey to Take the Reins at Aston Martin F1
Newey to Take the Reins at Aston Martin F1
Andrew Evans
November 27, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Jeep owners annoyed by infotainment screen ads
Ex-Paul Walker Ford GT available at auction
Losail Circuit adjustments to curb track limits issues
Alpine partners with Beneteau on 50-foot luxury boat
Senators to questions manufacturers over ADAS driving up car prices
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Modern vehicles increasingly rely on touch screens as central interfaces for controlling various functions, from climate settings to entertainment options. Recently, Stellantis has drawn attention for delivering promotional advertisements directly through these screens, prompting mixed reactions from owners who feel that such marketing intrudes on their driving experience.
A US Senate hearing scheduled for January 14 will feature executives from major automakers discussing the rising costs of new vehicles, with a particular focus on safety technologies like automatic emergency braking and rear-seat alerts. The debate will center on whether these safety features justify their impact on vehicle prices and if reducing regulatory requirements could alleviate affordability concerns for consumers.
Audi has introduced significant enhancements across five of its models, including the A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron, focusing on improved driving dynamics and advanced technology features. Among the updates are a sport-oriented driving mode, enhanced driver-assistance systems, and the return of physical controls, all aimed at elevating the user experience while addressing previous customer feedback.
Lotus is currently facing challenges in sales, particularly with its electric Eletre and Emeya models, despite the Emira's popularity among enthusiasts. The company plans to introduce plug-in hybrid variants starting in January 2026, including a high-performance SUV, in hopes of revitalizing interest and boosting sales.
Fiat is planning to develop an affordable, lightweight electric vehicle that aims to bridge the gap between the Topolino quadricycle and the more urban-oriented 500 and Grande Panda models. This initiative aligns with anticipated EU regulations that will promote a new “E-Car” category of small cars, which are expected to offer enhanced performance and range compared to existing quadricycles while remaining competitively priced.
A customer reportedly used an oversight in a brand rewards program to buy a Cadillac Escalade-V without spending any money at all, exploiting a feature for unintended purposes to pay off the $59,370 balance. The loophole reportedly allowed account holders to transfer points to each other, with users creating multiple accounts to gain points through various promotional tasks and sending them to a single account, highlighting the potential risks of such systems.
Daihatsu partnered with HAL College of Technology and Design to inspire students to envision future kei cars aimed at rejuvenating rural Japan over the next decade. The competition yielded three notable designs: the E-Nova, a modular utility vehicle; the :Do, a versatile mini-adventure vehicle; and the Promenade, a scenic roadster focused on leisurely cruising.
Nissan is recalling more than 40,000 units of the 2025 Sentra due to potential air bubbles in the windshield that may obstruct driver visibility, violating federal safety regulations. The issue stems from a production flaw involving misaligned locator pins in the windshield molds, which has been linked to a supplier's manufacturing process.
Bollinger Motors, an electric vehicle startup based in Michigan, has ceased operations after failing to meet payroll obligations and facing multiple legal challenges. Despite initial promise with its B1 and B2 models, the company struggled financially and ultimately closed its doors, while its parent company, Mullen Automotive, continues under the Bollinger Innovations name.
MOTORSPORT
Adrian Newey is set to take on the role of team principal at Aston Martin next year, following a significant organizational change that results in Andy Cowell stepping down from his position. Cowell will transition to chief strategy officer, where he will concentrate on the team's collaboration with Honda and fuel suppliers, while the restructuring aims to leverage the experience of Newey for improved operational effectiveness.
The upcoming 2025 Qatar Grand Prix will see significant modifications at the Losail International Circuit aimed at improving track limit enforcement, while the track layout itself remains the same. In addition to new gravel strips at key corners, a 25-lap tyre limit has been introduced to address concerns about tyre wear, setting the stage for a two-stop strategy during the race.
McLaren's disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix stemmed from its conservative setup choices, which inadvertently led to severe porpoising and excessive wear on the cars’ skid blocks. Despite initial assumptions about ride height, the team discovered that the cautious adjustments, aimed at mitigating risks, actually contributed to the aerodynamic issues that caused the cars to breach F1 regulations.
Alex Albon has called for significant revisions to FIA regulations following a disqualification incident involving McLaren drivers due to excessive wear on their skid planks. He disagreed with claims made by McLaren's team principal regarding the penalties for minor technical violations, emphasizing the challenges posed by car setup and the need for consistent scrutiny across all competitors.
As the current generation of Formula 1 cars approaches its final two race weekends, drivers like Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso express relief at the prospect of moving on, citing the physical discomfort and handling challenges posed by the heavy, low-riding vehicles. The FIA acknowledges that the strain experienced by drivers was not fully anticipated, but expects improvements in the next generation of cars set to debut in 2026, which should offer a more manageable driving experience.
Pirelli has clarified the implementation of a 25-lap limit for tire stints at the Qatar Grand Prix, responding to concerns about its impact on race strategies. The company's motorsport director emphasized that this regulation, which applies only to slick tires, aims to ensure safer tire performance while still allowing teams some flexibility in their pit strategies throughout the race.
McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, reaffirmed the commitment to an equitable approach for both drivers in the championship chase, despite recent challenges that include the disqualification of both cars from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite Lando Norris’s narrow lead in the standings and facing pressure from Max Verstappen, the team will allow both drivers to compete for the title until no longer mathematically possible.
The Iron Dames, a female-led racing team that has participated in the FIA World Endurance Championship for five seasons, announced they will not compete in the series in 2026. Despite recent challenges and a lack of podium finishes, the team expressed their commitment to continue racing and evolving in the motorsport landscape.
CURIOSITIES
A 2005 Ford GT available at auction features notable upgrades, such as an aftermarket exhaust and a tuned ECU, and some interesting provenance. The car, which currently has a bid of $550,000 with eight days remaining in the auction, was formerly part of a collection belonging to Fast and Furious actor Paul Walker, and also has just 3,700 miles on the clocks, though some of its upgrades are not CARB-compliant.
French luxury boat manufacturer Beneteau has revealed the Gran Turismo 50 Alpine, a limited edition sport boat, at the Nautic Show in Paris, featuring design elements inspired by Alpine's A390 electric SUV. This 52-foot vessel, equipped with dual 480-horsepower Volvo engines, incorporates automotive materials and a custom cockpit, and though its pricing remains undisclosed it will likely start above $1.1 million.
iRacing Arcade, a lighthearted arcade experience based on the simulation brand, was originally set for release on December 2, with the game now delayed following user feedback from its free demo on Steam A full launch is now anticipated within the next three months, starting with a PC version and followed by a console edition later in the year.
Law enforcement in Utah recently encountered a unique Aston Martin Valhalla prototype, valued at approximately $1.1 million, while patrolling Interstate 70 after receiving reports of the vehicle driving recklessly. Deputies engaged with the driver, who explained he was conducting performance tests, and provided guidance on safe driving practices, though it remains uncertain whether any citations were issued.
A limited edition replica of Red Bull's 2024 championship-winning RB20 is now available through F1 Authentics, with only ten units being produced. These models, crafted from precise CAD data provided by the team, will feature three distinct liveries and require buyers to agree to specific licensing terms before purchase.
On November 20, Cape Coral Police responded to a report of a man seemingly unconscious in his vehicle at a traffic light, only to find that he had fallen asleep while intoxicated during a DoorDash delivery. While the police ensured the food reached its destination, the driver, 25-year-old Luis Angel Alania Estrella, was arrested for DUI and driving with a suspended license.
The recent UK budget for autumn 2025 has introduced a new tax for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle owners starting in April 2028, while those with traditional fuel vehicles may soon face higher costs due to the end of a fuel duty freeze. However, drivers of cars over 40 years old will continue to benefit from rolling exemptions from vehicle excise duty and MOT testing, with the potential for additional classic models to join this category as the new financial year begins.
The trend of moving away from physical items is gaining momentum, with more retailers opting for cashless transactions and allowing payments via smartphones. Starting November 19, residents of Illinois can store their driver's licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet for use at various venues, although law enforcement has yet to fully embrace digital licenses.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!