Fernando Alonso acknowledged Adrian Newey as his main rival throughout his Formula 1 career. The Aston Martin driver embarked on his F1 journey in 2001 and encountered fierce competition from teams led by Newey, who is renowned as one of the most talented and innovative car designers in history. Alonso considers Newey to be his ultimate competitor, surpassing any other driver.
The Spanish driver recognized Newey’s exceptional aerodynamic expertise as his biggest rival in Formula 1. During his time at Ferrari, Alonso faced challenges in competing against the dominant Red Bull cars, driven by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, which were designed by Newey.
Alonso further elaborated on how Newey’s current car designs continue to dominate the sport, solidifying his status as a formidable rival. There are rumors circulating that Newey is in discussions with Aston Martin.
Despite their rivalry on the track, Alonso emphasized the mutual respect he shares with Newey. Both drivers have a deep appreciation for each other’s talents. Alonso felt honored when Newey invited him to write a prologue for the Spanish version of his book, “How to Build a Car,” considering it a significant gesture.
Although Alonso and Newey have publicly expressed admiration for each other’s work, their relationship primarily extends to professional admiration and respect. Alonso recognized Newey as his greatest rival due to his exceptional ability to build high-performance cars. Both acknowledge each other’s skills and achievements, but it remains uncertain if they will collaborate in the future.