Ferrari also comes away empty-handed. Instead, the team of Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll snaps up Adrian Newey, the most respected designer in Formula 1. This could have some consequences.
With the sensational engagement of super designer Adrian Newey, Aston Martin has outdone all its competitors and fueled its own hopes of titles and triumphs in Formula 1. For months after his departure from Red Bull in May, Newey was repeatedly linked to Ferrari, along with record world champion Lewis Hamilton next year. Now it’s certain: the 65-year-old will wear British Racing Green from Aston Martin instead of Ferrari Red!
“Adrian is the best in the world at what he does,” team co-owner Lawrence Stroll said with obvious pride at a press conference in the ultra-modern new headquarters in Silverstone. It had only been announced late the evening before, but without the reason yet. “Adrian is the key. He is the biggest piece of the puzzle,” said the Canadian billionaire, who bought shares in the team at the beginning of 2020 and wants to make the former Racing Point racing team world champions.
“It is definitely the team of the future,” said Fernando Alonso, one of the two current drivers at the PK. For years, the Spaniard repeatedly drove in rival teams against drivers in Newey cars. The prospect of working with the almost guaranteed success maker should also motivate the 43-year-old world champion from 2005 and 2006 even more. Stroll’s son Lance (25) is in the second cockpit. Both are currently in midfield positions, and Aston Martin is also in the middle of the team rankings.
What is clear, however, is that Aston Martin, for many the brand of James Bond, is becoming even more attractive to all drivers with the possible license to win called Newey.
Many inquiries, some negotiations
Newey, who is joining as a shareholder and will become Managing Technical Partner, will start on March 1st. His departure from Red Bull after the first quarter of 2025 and over 18 years had been decided for months. He has spoken to some teams, but not to all of those who had asked, Newey reported. He is considered the best designer in Formula 1, and his designs have already won him 25 world championship titles.
Newey, who spoke in his usual quiet and gentle manner during his introduction, answered what ultimately prompted him to switch to Aston Martin with one word: “Lawrence.” They often ran into each other in the hotel gyms during Formula 1 trips. Stroll became serious when he heard about Newey’s departure from Red Bull.
It remains to be seen to what extent the world champion team Red Bull, which is currently struggling and has been making a lot of negative headlines all year, could lose further personnel – including drivers – to Aston Martin in the medium term. There is no doubt that world champion Max Verstappen will be asked questions about his relationship with Newey and a possible future collaboration at Aston Martin at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
According to a report by the British BBC, Newey is said to earn up to 35 million euros a year at Aston Martin. That is said to be too much for Ferrari, which will have to pay record world champion Lewis Hamilton from next year onwards. On the day of the team’s “most exciting news in history”, Lawrence Stroll said in response to questions about the costs: “He’s a bargain.”
Where Newey is, there is success, even if the accidental death of Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna in 1994 in a Williams designed by Newey will always remain part of his CV.
At Aston Martin, he will find an ideal environment for him. Newey will not have to fear disagreements and power struggles, such as those that became apparent at Red Bull this year between team boss Christian Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko and their respective camps. In case of doubt, Stroll will probably provide clarity with a decisive word.
With pencil and paper
In addition, the team has a highly potent name sponsor and financial backer in the form of a Saudi Arabian oil giant, and from 2026, when the new rules come into effect, it will be working with Honda as its drive partner. It is the manufacturer that Newey knows very well from his more than a decade and a half at Red Bull. And it is no secret that Newey is at his best when there are major rule changes, as he designs his cars with pencil and paper, as in the video before the presentation. And Newey is not a complete stranger to Aston Martin anyway: he designed a super sports car for the brand – in collaboration with Red Bull.
Source: Stern
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
