Aston Martin has secured possibly the most important signing in Formula 1 with the acquisition of Adrian Newey from Red Bull as the team’s Managing Technical Partner.

Newey announced his impending departure from Red Bull ahead of the Miami Grand Prix in May, saying he needed a new challenge after 18 years with the team. There was widespread speculation surrounding his next move and interest arose from multiple teams on the grid, including Ferrari and Williams. However, after being given a private tour of the team's brand-new AMR Technology Campus in June, Newey has chosen Aston Martin and will begin life at the team’s Silverstone HQ in March 2025.

The 65 year old has been a part of 25 F1 world title wins and established himself as one of the greatest designers in the history of motorsport. The new rules set to be implemented in 2026 and the integration of Honda power units provide Newey with plenty of scope to make his mark on the team.

Newey had reportedly been keen to remain in the UK which is said to have played a part in his decision. Of course, there was a tempting financial incentive on the table from Aston Martin’s billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll, with Newey set to earn up to £30m a year on a long term contract, as well as becoming a shareholder.

In his role as the team’s new managing technical partner, Newey will work alongside drivers Fernando Alonso - who this year signed a new long term deal - and Lance Stroll, son of owner Lawrence.

Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, said:

"This is huge news. Adrian is the best in the world at what he does – he is at the top of his game – and I am incredibly proud that he is joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. It's the biggest story since the Aston Martin name returned to the sport and another demonstration of our ambition to build a Formula One team capable of fighting for world championships.

Adrian Newey said:

"Lawrence is determined to create a world-beating team. He is the only majority team owner who is actively engaged in the sport. His commitment is demonstrated in the development of the new AMR Technology Campus and wind tunnel at Silverstone, which are not only state of the art but have a layout that creates a great environment to work in.

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

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Aston Martin