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  • Sunday, 06 October 2024

Aston Martin Lands F1 Legend Adrian Newey

Aston Martin Lands F1 Legend Adrian Newey

Aston Martin has made a significant move in its quest to become a dominant force in Formula One, securing the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey. 

 

Starting in March 2025, Newey will take up the role of Managing Technical Partner and join as a shareholder in the Silverstone-based team. This marks the latest step in Aston Martin's rapid rise, with team owner Lawrence Stroll pulling out all the stops to bring top talent to the organisation.

 

Newey, who has been a key figure behind 25 Formula One world titles, is leaving Red Bull after nearly two decades. Known for his unrivalled expertise in designing championship-winning cars, Newey will play a critical role in shaping Aston Martin's future, especially with the major regulation changes set for 2026. His decision to join the team was influenced by a tour of the new AMR Technology Campus, which left him convinced of the project’s potential. 

 

"I am thrilled to be joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team," Newey said. "Lawrence is determined to create a world-beating team, and I am very much looking forward to helping reach that goal."

 

The news has sent shockwaves through the Formula One paddock, with Newey being heavily sought after by several top teams, including Ferrari and McLaren.While his salary at Aston Martin is not officially disclosed, reports suggest Newey will earn around £20 million a year, potentially rising to £30 million with bonuses.

 

Stroll, however, managed to secure his services, calling it "the biggest story since the Aston Martin name returned to the sport." He added, "Adrian is the best in the world at what he does. We mean business, and so does he."

 

Newey's move comes after a reported fallout with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, signalling the end of a dominant era for the Milton Keynes team. His departure is a significant loss for Red Bull, whose 2023 car, designed by Newey, won 21 out of 22 races – the most dominant in F1 history. 

 

Aston Martin is currently in an exclusive partnership with Honda, who will supply engines starting in 2026. Newey’s vast experience and track record in adapting to new technical regulations will be vital as Aston Martin looks to break into the upper echelon of Formula One teams. In recent years, the team has made several high-profile hires, including former Mercedes engine head Andy Cowell and ex-Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile.

 

With two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll driving for the team, Newey will now have the chance to work with Alonso – something he previously said he regretted not doing. The pairing of a championship-winning designer with a seasoned champion driver could be the combination Aston Martin needs to challenge for titles in the near future.

 

The 2025 season will be Newey's first full season with Aston Martin, and it promises to be a pivotal one as the team prepares for the sweeping changes in 2026. 

 

"We have all the key pieces of infrastructure needed to make Aston Martin a world championship-winning team," Newey said. "Together with great partners like Honda and Aramco, I am very much looking forward to helping reach that goal."

 

This bold step demonstrates Aston Martin’s ambition and leaves fans eager to see if Newey's genius can lead the team to F1 glory.

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