Adrian Newey joins Aston Martin in 'bargain' deal: team boss Lawrence Stroll confirms

Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll has described the acquisition of star designer Adrian Newey as a "bargain" after announcing that Newey will join the Formula One team next March. Newey, who brings an impressive track record from his previous tenure with champions Red Bull, will become Aston Martin's managing technical partner and a shareholder, injecting new momentum into the Silverstone-based outfit.

Newey, 65, opted for a new challenge in May when he announced his departure from Red Bull, a move that caught the attention of several top teams. Ultimately, it was Aston Martin's vision and facilities that won Newey over. "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," Newey stated.

The transition will see Newey in position by March 1, just ahead of the 2025 season's opener on March 16 with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The 2025 season holds additional significance as the final season before a major rules overhaul and new engine era in 2026.

"I can tell you Adrian is a bargain," said Stroll, despite reports suggesting Newey's salary could range between £20-30 million ($26-39m) per year, making him one of the highest-paid figures in the paddock. "I've been in business for over 40 years now, and I've never been more certain. It's not an investment. He's a shareholder and a partner," Stroll emphasized, underlining Newey's crucial role in Aston Martin’s title ambitions.

Currently, Aston Martin stands fifth in the championship standings. However, with Newey's extensive experience and a commitment to excellence, the team is setting its sights higher. Newey's cars have historically dominated, winning 25 drivers' and constructors' championships with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull. His designs for Red Bull in 2023 led to an almost unparalleled record of 21 wins from 22 races.

Newey will oversee the development of cars raced by 43-year-old double world champion Fernando Alonso and Stroll’s son, Lance. He considered the British team to be "old school" due to its wealthy owner’s hands-on approach, adding a unique flavor to his new professional environment.

In addition to Newey, Aston Martin has bolstered its team by recruiting other prominent figures from rival teams. This includes former Mercedes engine head Andy Cowell, who was announced in July as the new chief executive officer, replacing former McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh, and former Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile.

Aston Martin also announced an exclusive partnership with Honda, Red Bull's current engine suppliers, starting in 2026 for a five-year period. This move is expected to further enhance the team’s competitiveness in the coming years.

Stroll did not hide his excitement and determination to bring Newey onboard since he became available. "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 remarked. "Adrian is a racer and one of the most competitive people I have ever met. When he saw what we have built at Silverstone ... he quickly understood what we are trying to achieve. We mean business, and so does he."

With these strategic moves, Aston Martin is poised to transform from a mid-field team to a serious title contender in the coming seasons.

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