Source – ESPN
After leaving Red Bull in 2025, legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey is expected to join Aston Martin.
Adrian Newey, one of the most iconic figures in Formula 1 engineering, is set to make a high-profile switch to Aston Martin following his departure from Red Bull. The 65-year-old’s exit from his role as Chief Technical Officer at the Milton Keynes-based team was confirmed back in May, marking the end of a long and fruitful relationship that has seen Red Bull rise to dominance in recent years. This move comes after what is reported to be a breakdown in Newey’s relationship with team principal Christian Horner, leading to the unexpected announcement of his departure.
While Newey has agreed to remain at Red Bull until early 2025 to complete his work on the RB17, the team’s first hypercar project, his future is now set with Aston Martin. The British team, which has been making serious strides in Formula 1 in recent seasons, will look to leverage Newey’s expertise as they prepare for a critical new era in the sport. With the next major overhaul of technical regulations set for 2026, Newey’s arrival is perfectly timed to influence the design of their first car under the new rules.
Aston Martin’s approach to securing Newey’s services is no surprise given his exceptional track record. Known for his revolutionary designs, Newey’s expertise has been pivotal in creating race-winning cars during every major regulation change in recent decades. His most recent triumph was Red Bull’s RB18, which dominated the 2022 season under the new ground-effect regulations. Aston Martin is hoping that Newey’s magic touch will once again prove decisive as they aim to challenge the top teams for race wins and championships.
Newey’s rumored visit to Aston Martin’s Silverstone factory in June had already set the paddock buzzing with speculation, and now it seems those rumors are turning into reality. Reports suggest that the veteran designer will be earning a staggering $26 million a year (£19.8 million) once he officially joins the team, with his contract expected to start in March 2025. His arrival will coincide with Aston Martin’s ambitious plans to become a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1, and his involvement is seen as a major coup for the team.
Aston Martin has undergone a rapid transformation under the leadership of Lawrence Stroll, who has made it clear that his goal is to bring the team to the forefront of Formula 1. The addition of Fernando Alonso, a two-time world champion, in 2023 signaled their intent to be taken seriously in the title fight. Now, with Newey joining their ranks, the team is assembling a formidable lineup both on and off the track.
Newey’s reputation as a master of F1 car design has been well earned over his 40-year career, during which he has worked with teams like Williams, McLaren, and most recently, Red Bull. His ability to interpret and innovate under new regulations is unparalleled, making him one of the most sought-after talents in the sport. With Aston Martin eyeing 2026 as the year they truly break into the elite ranks of Formula 1, Newey’s involvement in the design of that car could prove to be the game-changer.
For Red Bull, Newey’s departure represents the end of an era. Under his leadership, the team has won multiple drivers’ and constructors’ championships, with his aerodynamic designs playing a crucial role in the team’s dominance, especially during the Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen eras. However, the fracture in his relationship with Christian Horner appears to have paved the way for Newey to seek new challenges, and Aston Martin is more than willing to provide the platform for him to do just that.
As Newey prepares to join Aston Martin, the Formula 1 world will be watching closely to see how his influence shapes the team’s fortunes. With Fernando Alonso already in the driver’s seat and the team steadily improving its infrastructure, the pieces are falling into place for Aston Martin to mount a serious challenge at the front of the grid. Newey’s expertise will undoubtedly be the cornerstone of their efforts, and his presence could transform Aston Martin into a genuine title contender by the time the new regulations roll around in 2026.
In a sport where innovation and technical mastery are everything, Adrian Newey’s move to Aston Martin could be the pivotal moment that changes the competitive landscape of Formula 1. As the countdown begins to his official start date in 2025, the anticipation will only grow. Can Newey, alongside Alonso, help Aston Martin ascend to the top of the sport and achieve the success that Lawrence Stroll has so fervently pursued? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: with Newey on board, the future looks incredibly exciting for Aston Martin and their Formula 1 aspirations.
