Two masters, one pursuit: In conversation with Adrian Newey and Brian Kinsman

Formula One and whisky have more in common than you might think. Aston Martin Aramco Team Principal Adrian Newey and Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman explore the unexpected parallels between their two worlds.

On paper, Adrian Newey and Brian Kinsman have had very different careers. One has spent his chasing fractions of a second in Formula One; the other is responsible for preserving the character of one of the world's best-known single malts. Put them together, though, and similarities start to emerge.

They have a shared belief that exceptional performance is defined not only by what can be seen, but by the invisible detail working beneath the surface: Adrian shapes airflow around a car that does not yet exist; Brian designs a whisky that will not be ready for years.

To mark the unveiling of two Glenfiddich and Aston Martin F1 Team limited-edition single malts: the 16-Year-Old Release No. 2 and 19-Year-Old Release No. 2, the two masters sat down at the AMR Technology Campus to explore their respective crafts, including the role of engineering and artistry, the importance of instinct and the power of the people behind the finished products.

"We're hugely alike," says Brian. "You've got an incredible team of people with a lot of skill, and we're exactly the same. Despite the fact, on the face of it, the two worlds are miles apart, I can see a lot that's very similar."

One of those similarities is the delicate balance between what can be measured and what can only be felt. Adrian knows that data can guide a team towards a faster car, but it can't necessarily tell you how to create one.

"The data can say: 'This will be quicker,' but that's where the experience comes in," he explains.

"We're not in a position where you can press a button and a computer can make a fast car. We have to come up with the ideas. Designing a race car is actually much more subjective than it might appear from the outside."

Brian faces a similar challenge. His scientific background means he understands the importance of data, but whisky ultimately has to pass a much more human test.

"We have to be careful of over engineering because you could make the product quite bland because you could engineer out all the nuances. It would lack character and depth and complexity.

"In a bottle of whisky, there'll be more than 2,000 flavour compounds, of which we analyse maybe 30 to 40. On a reasonably regular basis, the laboratory will say everything is perfect, but myself and the sensory team will say it's not because we'll smell it and taste it. We're entirely led by intuition."

Then, there are the people. For Brian, seeing the work at the AMR Technology Campus offered a familiar feeling.

"I was struck by the reliance on real people making real things. I hadn't appreciated the sheer hands-on experience which resonates strongly with the craft of making whisky."

Different materials, different process and different definitions of performance. Yet, underneath it all, the same pursuit.

Glenfiddich

Two masters, one pursuit

Masters in conversation. Adrian Newey and Brian Kinsman explore the parallels between Formula One and whisky production.

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Timeless apart. Iconic together. Discover more about the Aston Martin Aramco and Glenfiddich partnership, here.

Aston Martin Aramco and Glenfiddich promote responsible attitudes to alcohol. You should never drink and drive. Together, our partners at Glenfiddich share our approach and commitment to promote this important message.

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