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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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 on prospect of Ferrari:
“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.”
Adrian Newey on new Aston Martin HQ:
”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!”
Aston Martin announce stunning move for Adrian Newey
Adrian Newey:
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.”
Adrian Newey:
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.”
Fernando Alonso:
“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.”
Lance Stroll...
“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.”
Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll:
“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.”
Adrian Newey on Aston’s drivers:
“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...
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments