Adrian Newey, F1's top designer, set to join Aston Martin in 2025

Formula One's most illustrious car designer, Adrian Newey, will join Aston Martin from Red Bull in March 2025, marking a significant coup for the British team. The move was confirmed on Tuesday, signaling a seismic shift in the sport's technical hierarchies.

Newey, 65, whose designs have dominated the sport for decades, will assume the newly created position of managing technical partner at Aston Martin. He will lead the development of the team's car for the 2026 season—a critical year as new regulations come into force.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. I have been hugely inspired and impressed by the passion and commitment that Lawrence [Stroll] brings to everything he is involved with," Newey commented in a statement on Tuesday.

The contract, reportedly valued at £30 million ($39.2 million) per year for five years, underscores Aston Martin's aspirations to ascend to the pinnacle of Formula One under the new regulatory framework.

Newey's storied career spans four decades, with stints at Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull. His designs have secured 12 drivers' championships and 13 constructors' championships, affirming his status as the most successful car designer in Formula One history.

"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," said Lawrence Stroll, the Canadian billionaire owner of Aston Martin. "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."

Stroll has heavily invested in the team's infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art headquarters opposite the Silverstone race circuit. The team's announcement noted that Newey's visit to the campus in June was a decisive factor in his decision.

In addition to securing Newey, Stroll has also landed a deal for Honda engines starting in 2026 and extended the contract of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso for another two seasons. Alonso will continue to drive alongside Lance Stroll, Lawrence's son.

Newey had previously expressed regret about not having the opportunity to design cars for top drivers like Alonso or Lewis Hamilton, a sentiment he shared on a podcast last year. The confirmation of his departure from Red Bull ahead of this year's Miami Grand Prix fueled speculation about his next destination, with Aston Martin quickly emerging as the frontrunner.

"It's an exciting time for the team and me personally," Newey said, highlighting his anticipation for the new role and the fresh challenges it will bring.

With Newey's unparalleled expertise and Stroll's ambitious vision, Aston Martin looks poised to make a formidable impact in the competitive world of Formula One.

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