A father's love and influence can indeed be seen in many aspects of a child's life. In this case, it seems like the article is announcing that Adrian Newey, a renowned Formula 1 engineer and designer, has joined Aston Martin.
However, if we consider the phrase "The things a daddy does for his little boy" in a more figurative sense, it could imply that a father (or any influential figure) helps shape a child's interests or passions. In this case, Adrian Newey might be seen as a role model or inspiration to many young aspiring engineers or F1 fans out there.
Perhaps the article is hinting at how Aston Martin, by signing Newey, is providing opportunities for his son (or other young enthusiasts) to learn from and possibly even work with one of the greatest minds in F1? The phrase could be seen as a nod to the fact that Newey's involvement will likely inspire and motivate the next generation of engineers, designers, or racing fans.