Adrian Newey’s manager, Eddie Jordan, has declined to comment on speculation that the renowned Formula 1 designer will join Aston Martin next year. Jordan, who facilitated Newey’s early departure from his role as Red Bull’s chief technical officer in April, stated, “I am not prepared to answer – I will not be forthcoming in any shape or form.”
Aston Martin has scheduled a news conference for September 10, where it is anticipated that Newey’s recruitment will be confirmed. Team owner Lawrence Stroll expressed enthusiasm about the potential addition of Newey, saying in an interview with Bloomberg on Tuesday, “Adrian and I have been talking not only for months but actually for years. Adrian is clearly the most talented and gifted individual in F1 based on his track record and history. So I’d be very excited for Adrian to join our team, as I think every other F1 team on the grid would feel exactly the same.” When asked if Newey would be joining Aston Martin, Stroll responded, “I certainly hope so.”
An Aston Martin spokesperson commented, “Adrian has been linked to many teams and would be an asset to any team, but we don’t have anything to announce.”
Newey, 65, is widely regarded as the greatest F1 designer in history, having contributed to 12 drivers’ championships and 13 constructors’ titles with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull since 1991. Aston Martin recently moved into a new factory, and a new wind tunnel at Silverstone is nearing completion. Newey was given a confidential tour of the facility this summer.
The team has been actively recruiting to enhance their competitiveness. In July, they announced that former Mercedes engine chief Andy Cowell would join as CEO in October, succeeding Martin Whitmarsh, who has been in the role since 2021. Aston Martin has also hired former Ferrari chassis technical director Enrico Cardile as chief technical officer. Dan Fallows, Aston Martin’s technical director since April 2022, previously worked with Newey at Red Bull.
Aston Martin is set to begin a new partnership with Honda in 2026, which has supplied engines to Red Bull since 2019. Currently, the team is fifth in the constructors’ championship. After a strong start to the 2023 season, with Fernando Alonso securing several podium finishes, Aston Martin has struggled to maintain top-10 finishes in recent months.
Jordan and Newey negotiated an early exit from Newey’s contract with Red Bull, allowing him to start work with a new team from March next year. Newey had discussions with Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine, and Williams before focusing on Aston Martin. Talks with Ferrari ended swiftly, and McLaren withdrew in the summer. Although Alpine’s Flavio Briatore made a late attempt to recruit Newey, it is reported that Aston Martin remains his primary option.
Newey’s decision to leave Red Bull followed allegations of sexual harassment and coercive behavior against team principal Christian Horner by a female employee. Horner has denied these allegations, and two internal investigations at Red Bull have dismissed the complaint. Additionally, Newey faced internal tensions at Red Bull regarding credit for the team’s success in 2022 and 2023.
Newey’s contract with Red Bull was set to end in 2025, which would have prevented him from joining another team until 2027. However, Jordan and Newey reached an agreement that allows him to begin work with a new team in time to influence their designs for the 2026 regulations. Joining Aston Martin would enable Newey to work with two-time champion Fernando Alonso, whom he has expressed a desire to collaborate with. Alonso, 43, signed a new contract with Aston Martin earlier this year, securing his position with the team at least until the end of 2026.
