Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Aston Martin announce stunning move for Red Bull designer

“I was very flattered by the number of teams who did approach me and had discussions with some of those teams. But it became a very clear and natural choice.”

”The building has a great feel to it. It’s a real demonstration of Lawrence’s commitment and vision. I don’t know how much it cost but it’s not going to be cheap. I’ll find other ways of spending money for him now!

LS: “Nothing good is cheap!”

Why back to full-time with Aston Martin when you were part-time at Red Bull?

“We’re not here about Red Bull but in 2014 with the hybrid engine, we didn’t have a very competitive PU, with no light at the end of the tunnel. So I needed something else to become involved in. Once we got the Honda PU, then it was a very different position and I got properly back involved.

“I stepped back a little bit after 2022, the 2023 and 2024 are evolutions of that. But this is something different, new stimulation.”

Will you be involved day to day?

“Moving teams is always a big commitment to try to understand how everyone works, to engage with them. To be involved in shaping things, if necessary. It takes time and commitement so to start with I’ll be fully in.”

“I’ve been racing against him for many years. He was more an inspiration, thanks to Adrian and his talent and cars, we all got better. We all had to raise the bar thanks to him.

“I think now it’s an incredible day for the team. Lawrence’s vision is taking vision. The team of the future I would say, an incredible opportunity professionally to work with Adrian and these people where you can learn so much from them.

“I was talking with Lance a few weeks ago, the incredible opportunity we have to work with Lawrence and everyone from Aston Martin. It’s part of our growth personally.”

“It’s a huge day, very exciting day in this team’s history. Adrian has won more championships than anyone in the paddock and now he’s in green. We’re constructing an incredible team, so really exciting.”

“Adrian is key, the biggest part of the puzzle, from a technical point of view. I think that will have a trickle-down effect for the whole organisation.

“We had a very strong start to 2023 and than these ground-effect cars are rather complex, we went in a wrong direction. We’re currently fifth in the championship, I’d like to be in a better space, but our focus lies on a better car for 2025 but most of our focus is on 2026.”

“Lance I’ve known for many years, back to his F3 days, when my lad Harry was racing at the same time Lance was.

“Fernando, we’ve battled against each other for so many years. He’s been an arch-enemy at years, we came close to him joining Red Bull in 20008. He’s a legend of the sport, so very much look forward to working with him.”

And here come Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso...

“Next to Ferrari, Aston Martin is the most iconic brand across the world. So that’s special. I have a couple of classic Astons as well! I feel familiar with the brand.”