Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Aston Martin announce stunning move for Red Bull designer
Newey has discussed his new challenge in a press conference at Aston Martin’s Silverstone base this morning
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Adrian Newey has been unveiled as Aston Martin’s Managing Technical Partner at a press conference this morning at the team’s Silverstone base.
The 65-year-old F1 design guru, who has been with Red Bull for 19 years, has signed a lucrative £20m-a-year contract with Lawrence Stroll’s team in a monumental move for the team.
Newey, who will leave Red Bull early next year, has won 12 drivers’ and 13 constructors’ championships during a successful 30-year career in Formula One. He has previously worked for Williams and McLaren.
Ferrari, who have Lewis Hamilton joining them in 2025, were heavily linked with signing Newey but the British designer has opted to stay in the UK and will begin work on aiding Aston’s bid to become world champions, with an eye on new engine and chassis regulations in 2026.
Follow live updates from Newey’s press conference and reaction to a seismic appointment from Aston Martin below:
Adrian Newey snubbed Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari for Aston Martin – here’s why
When Adrian Newey stunned the Formula One paddock by announcing his departure from the all-conquering Red Bull in May, there seemed only one appropriate destination for the legendary designer’s swansong. Sky F1 broadcaster Martin Brundle hinted as much when he asked Newey in Miami: “Do you look good in red?!”
Now we know the answer: not good enough, it seems. What will be Ferrari’s loss, however, will be Aston Martin’s gain. Executive chairman Lawrence Stroll has long made it clear his ambitions to elevate his team into world championship frontrunners and with today’s signing of F1’s most-revered design guru – as a company shareholder on a lucrative £20m-a-year deal, running over five years – the Canadian billionaire has made his biggest statement yet.
Read full analysis below:
Adrian Newey snubbed Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari for Aston Martin – here’s why
The legendary Red Bull designer will join Aston Martin on a lucrative £20m-a-year contract next year despite advances made by Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Alpine in recent months
Adrian Newey – F1 latest: F1 design genius Adrian Newey signs for Aston Martin in stunning deal
Adrian Newey will join Aston Martin next year in a staggering £20m-a-year deal, the F1 team announced this morning.
The legendary Formula 1 designer, who announced his departure from Red Bull in May after 19 years with the world champions, will take up his new role in March 2025.
The likes of Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine and Williams all made enquiries for Newey’s services but team owner Lawrence Stroll’s vision to turn Aston Martin into F1 world champions has persuaded Newey to join the Silverstone-based outfit.
Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton has previously expressed an interest in working with Newey but the Scuderia’s interest in the designer cooled in recent months, with the team unwilling to enter a bidding war with Aston.
FULL STORY:
F1 design genius Adrian Newey signs for Aston Martin in stunning deal
The legendary F1 designer is leaving Red Bull after 19 years and was heavily linked with a move to Ferrari
Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Newey-Stroll at Aston Martin HQ
Adrian Newey – F1 latest: More from Lawrence Stroll...
“This is huge news. Adrian is the best in the world at what he does – he is at the top of his game – and I am incredibly proud that he is joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.
“It’s the biggest story since the Aston Martin name returned to the sport and another demonstration of our ambition to build a Formula One team capable of fighting for world championships. As soon as Adrian became available, we knew we had to make it happen. Our initial conversations confirmed that there was a shared desire to collaborate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Adrian is a racer and one of the most competitive people I have ever met. When he saw what we have built at Silverstone – our incredible AMR Technology Campus, the talented group of people we have assembled and the latest wind tunnel in the sport – he quickly understood what we are trying to achieve.
“We mean business – and so does he. Adrian shares our hunger and ambition, he believes in this project, and he will help us write the next chapter in Aston Martin Aramco’s Formula One story.”
Via an Aston Martin press release...
Adrian Newey – F1 latest: More from Adrian Newey...
“I am thrilled to be joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. I have been hugely inspired and impressed by the passion and commitment that Lawrence brings to everything he is involved with.
“Lawrence is determined to create a world-beating team. He is the only majority team owner who is actively engaged in the sport. His commitment is demonstrated in the development of the new AMR Technology Campus and wind tunnel at Silverstone, which are not only state of the art but have a layout that creates a great environment to work in.
“Together with great partners like Honda and Aramco, they have all the key pieces of infrastructure needed to make Aston Martin a world championship-winning team and I am very much looking forward to helping reach that goal.”
Via an Aston Martin press release...
Adrian Newey – F1 latest: And that’s the end of the press conference!
Some interesting opinions and info there then - and the excitement at Aston Martin is clear for all to see at Adrian Newey’s signing!
Adrian Newey on all the speculation:
“I don’t read it or watch it, I’m quite impervious to that.
“My pressure comes from within, it doesn’t come from external. I cannot deny I’m competitive in my profession. I just put pressure on myself to do the best job possible.”
Adrian Newey on his decision-making process:
“I decided to stop at Red Bull over the Suzuka weekend. Genuinely had no idea what would be next, wanted a blank mind and take stock - enjoy a bit of a break. I was hoping that standing in the shower somewhere that the spark would take some direction. Amanda was a big part of that.
“Come late June, I felt that to be involved to be a designer in motor racing, well over 90% has been hugely enjoyable. I like the challenge of adding performance to the car.
“What’s amazing about technical sport, man and machine - you have that immediate feedback of how you’re doing. If I compare that to university and the aeronautics course, they want to work for British aerospace and Rolls Royce and so forth, they had no feedback.
“What’s the pinnacle of man and machine? It’s clearly Formula 1. I remain interested in America’s Cup but I want to stay at the pinnacle as long as people want me.”
Lawrence Stroll on Adrian Newey’s contract:
“Adrian is a bargain. I’ve been in business over 40 years and I’ve never been more certain. The best partner I can bring into a company. It’s relatively inexpensive in what Adrian brings.
Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Press conference shots
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