Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Aston Martin announce stunning move for Red Bull designer

Adrian Newey has been unveiled as Aston Martin’s Managing Technical Partner at a press conference this morning at the team’s Silverstone base.

The 65-year-old F1 design guru, who has been with Red Bull for 19 years, has signed a lucrative £20m-a-year contract with Lawrence Stroll’s team in a monumental move for the team.

• READ MORE: Why has Adrian Newey joined Aston Martin over Ferrari?

Newey, who will leave Red Bull early next year, has won 12 drivers’ and 13 constructors’ championships during a successful 30-year career in Formula One. He has previously worked for Williams and McLaren.

Ferrari, who have Lewis Hamilton joining them in 2025, were heavily linked with signing Newey but the British designer has opted to stay in the UK and will begin work on aiding Aston’s bid to become world champions, with an eye on new engine and chassis regulations in 2026.

Follow live updates from Newey’s press conference and reaction to a seismic appointment from Aston Martin below:

ADRIAN NEWEY - LATEST UPDATES

• Adrian Newey signs for Aston Martin today

• COMMENT: Adrian Newey snubbed Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari for Aston Martin – here’s why

• Newey has discussed his next role at press conference this morning

• The legendary F1 designer will leave Red Bull early next year and join Aston on 2 March

• Newey is the mastermind behind Max Verstappen’s run of world titles in recent years

Adrian Newey snubbed Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari for Aston Martin – here’s why

13:25 , Kieran Jackson

When Adrian Newey stunned the Formula One paddock by announcing his departure from the all-conquering Red Bull in May, there seemed only one appropriate destination for the legendary designer’s swansong. Sky F1 broadcaster Martin Brundle hinted as much when he asked Newey in Miami: “Do you look good in red?!”

Now we know the answer: not good enough, it seems. What will be Ferrari’s loss, however, will be Aston Martin’s gain. Executive chairman Lawrence Stroll has long made it clear his ambitions to elevate his team into world championship frontrunners and with today’s signing of F1’s most-revered design guru – as a company shareholder on a lucrative £20m-a-year deal, running over five years – the Canadian billionaire has made his biggest statement yet.

Read full analysis below:

Adrian Newey snubbed Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari for Aston Martin – here’s why

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: F1 design genius Adrian Newey signs for Aston Martin in stunning deal

11:02 , Kieran Jackson

Adrian Newey will join Aston Martin next year in a staggering £20m-a-year deal, the F1 team announced this morning.

The legendary Formula 1 designer, who announced his departure from Red Bull in May after 19 years with the world champions, will take up his new role in March 2025.

The likes of Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine and Williams all made enquiries for Newey’s services but team owner Lawrence Stroll’s vision to turn Aston Martin into F1 world champions has persuaded Newey to join the Silverstone-based outfit.

Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton has previously expressed an interest in working with Newey but the Scuderia’s interest in the designer cooled in recent months, with the team unwilling to enter a bidding war with Aston.

FULL STORY:

F1 design genius Adrian Newey signs for Aston Martin in stunning deal

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Newey-Stroll at Aston Martin HQ

13:00 , Kieran Jackson

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: More from Lawrence Stroll...

12:40 , Kieran Jackson

“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. As soon as Adrian became available, we knew we had to make it happen. Our initial conversations confirmed that there was a shared desire to collaborate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Adrian is a racer and one of the most competitive people I have ever met. When he saw what we have built at Silverstone – our incredible AMR Technology Campus, the talented group of people we have assembled and the latest wind tunnel in the sport – he quickly understood what we are trying to achieve.

“We mean business – and so does he. Adrian shares our hunger and ambition, he believes in this project, and he will help us write the next chapter in Aston Martin Aramco’s Formula One story.”

Via an Aston Martin press release...

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: More from Adrian Newey...

12:25 , Kieran Jackson

“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 brings to everything he is involved with.

“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.”

Via an Aston Martin press release...

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: And that’s the end of the press conference!

12:10 , Kieran Jackson

Some interesting opinions and info there then - and the excitement at Aston Martin is clear for all to see at Adrian Newey’s signing!

Adrian Newey on all the speculation:

12:03 , Kieran Jackson

“I don’t read it or watch it, I’m quite impervious to that.

“My pressure comes from within, it doesn’t come from external. I cannot deny I’m competitive in my profession. I just put pressure on myself to do the best job possible.”

Adrian Newey on his decision-making process:

12:00 , Kieran Jackson

“I decided to stop at Red Bull over the Suzuka weekend. Genuinely had no idea what would be next, wanted a blank mind and take stock - enjoy a bit of a break. I was hoping that standing in the shower somewhere that the spark would take some direction. Amanda was a big part of that.

“Come late June, I felt that to be involved to be a designer in motor racing, well over 90% has been hugely enjoyable. I like the challenge of adding performance to the car.

“What’s amazing about technical sport, man and machine - you have that immediate feedback of how you’re doing. If I compare that to university and the aeronautics course, they want to work for British aerospace and Rolls Royce and so forth, they had no feedback.

“What’s the pinnacle of man and machine? It’s clearly Formula 1. I remain interested in America’s Cup but I want to stay at the pinnacle as long as people want me.”

Lawrence Stroll on Adrian Newey’s contract:

11:57 , Kieran Jackson

“Adrian is a bargain. I’ve been in business over 40 years and I’ve never been more certain. The best partner I can bring into a company. It’s relatively inexpensive in what Adrian brings.

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Press conference shots

11:55 , Kieran Jackson

Adrian Newey on prospect of Ferrari:

11:54 , Kieran Jackson

“I was very flattered by the number of teams who did approach me and had discussions with some of those teams. But it became a very clear and natural choice.”

Adrian Newey on new Aston Martin HQ:

11:51 , Kieran Jackson

”The building has a great feel to it. It’s a real demonstration of Lawrence’s commitment and vision. I don’t know how much it cost but it’s not going to be cheap. I’ll find other ways of spending money for him now!

LS: “Nothing good is cheap!”

Aston Martin announce stunning move for Adrian Newey

11:49 , Kieran Jackson

Adrian Newey:

11:48 , Kieran Jackson

Why back to full-time with Aston Martin when you were part-time at Red Bull?

“We’re not here about Red Bull but in 2014 with the hybrid engine, we didn’t have a very competitive PU, with no light at the end of the tunnel. So I needed something else to become involved in. Once we got the Honda PU, then it was a very different position and I got properly back involved.

“I stepped back a little bit after 2022, the 2023 and 2024 are evolutions of that. But this is something different, new stimulation.”

Adrian Newey:

11:44 , Kieran Jackson

Will you be involved day to day?

“Moving teams is always a big commitment to try to understand how everyone works, to engage with them. To be involved in shaping things, if necessary. It takes time and commitement so to start with I’ll be fully in.”

Fernando Alonso:

11:40 , Kieran Jackson

“I’ve been racing against him for many years. He was more an inspiration, thanks to Adrian and his talent and cars, we all got better. We all had to raise the bar thanks to him.

“I think now it’s an incredible day for the team. Lawrence’s vision is taking vision. The team of the future I would say, an incredible opportunity professionally to work with Adrian and these people where you can learn so much from them.

“I was talking with Lance a few weeks ago, the incredible opportunity we have to work with Lawrence and everyone from Aston Martin. It’s part of our growth personally.”

Lance Stroll...

11:37 , Kieran Jackson

“It’s a huge day, very exciting day in this team’s history. Adrian has won more championships than anyone in the paddock and now he’s in green. We’re constructing an incredible team, so really exciting.”

Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll:

11:34 , Kieran Jackson

“Adrian is key, the biggest part of the puzzle, from a technical point of view. I think that will have a trickle-down effect for the whole organisation.

“We had a very strong start to 2023 and than these ground-effect cars are rather complex, we went in a wrong direction. We’re currently fifth in the championship, I’d like to be in a better space, but our focus lies on a better car for 2025 but most of our focus is on 2026.”

Adrian Newey on Aston’s drivers:

11:31 , Kieran Jackson

“Lance I’ve known for many years, back to his F3 days, when my lad Harry was racing at the same time Lance was.

“Fernando, we’ve battled against each other for so many years. He’s been an arch-enemy at years, we came close to him joining Red Bull in 20008. He’s a legend of the sport, so very much look forward to working with him.”

And here come Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso...

Adrian Newey:

11:28 , Kieran Jackson

“Next to Ferrari, Aston Martin is the most iconic brand across the world. So that’s special. I have a couple of classic Astons as well! I feel familiar with the brand.”

Adrian Newey:

11:25 , Kieran Jackson

“It will be making sure we have synergy on all the car components, and coming up with a holistic product.

“We would love to have a good 2025, naturally. But for me it’s just about working with everybody and us all try to get the best out of each other and everything falls out from there.”

Adrian Newey:

11:22 , Kieran Jackson

”The PU for 2026 has been announced for some time, Honda will be working very hard on that. I’ve enjoyed working with them at Red Bull. On the chassis and aerodynamic side, they’ll be announced on 1, 2 January. I’ll be joining two months into that and a case of getting myself up to speed as quickly as possible and how we all get the best out of each other.

“The 2026 rules are an opportunity - they’re a reset for everybody. Whether we’ll be able to capitalise on that, we just don’t know - I don’t spend long fretting on these things, what will be will be.”

Adrian Newey:

11:16 , Kieran Jackson

“These facilities are just stunning. It’s not an easy thing to do to build a factory on a greenfield site and have a warm, creative feel to it. We’re here to be creative and come up with good solutions and good communication. I’ve seen some new buildings which haven’t quite fulfilled that.”

Adrian Newey:

11:12 , Kieran Jackson

“I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved what I aspired to from the age of 10 or 12, to be a designer in motor racing. I can honestly say everything else has been a bonus. I never expected anything like what I’ve been involved with. You have to keep yourself fresh, I felt I needed a new challenge.

“Lawerence have known each other off and on for a couple of years. When I said I’d be departing the old team, very flattered to have a lot of approaches from various teams. But Lawrence’s passion and enthusiasm is very endearing and persuasive.

“To have the chance to be a shareholder and partner hasn’t been offered to me. It became a very natural choice.”

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: And here comes the man himself!

11:08 , Kieran Jackson

Adrian Newey joins Lawrence Stroll on stage...

Why Aston Martin, he is asked?

“Lawrence! No seriously, I felt like I needed a new challenge. Towards the end of April, I decided I needed to do something different, spent some time with Amanda my wife about what we do. Do we sail around the world? We took a bit of time out...

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll...

11:05 , Kieran Jackson

“Adrian arguably is the greatest in the world at what he does, there’s no one who has come close to winning as many world championships.

“He has the passion and desire to win, as do I, as do many people in this building.

“We’ve brought in some great people on the way, we’ve put together a magnificent management team. To build a premises like that, non-existent like this in Formula One. It’s so grand and special. Putting all that in place... looking for our technical leader. I’ve been trying to speak to Adrian for a couple of years, he shared my passion, intent and vision.”

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll:

11:03 , Kieran Jackson

“Adrian Newey will be joining us as first and foremost a shareholder and our technical managing partner of our Formula 1 team.”

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Five minutes away from the press conference!

10:57 , Kieran Jackson

You can follow it live via our news blog here or via our live stream.

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: How have we got here?

10:50 , Kieran Jackson

Newey decided to leave Red Bull in May after 19 years with the team, with the fallout from the investigation into Christian Horner’s conduct and the subsequent power struggle at Red Bull a factor in his decision.

The design guru will now play a pivotal role in Aston Martin’s car ahead of new engine and chassis regulations in 2026 with drivers Fernando Alonso, a two-time F1 world champion, and Lance Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence, hoping to benefit from the Brit’s experience and expertise.

Aston Martin, who are the fifth-quickest team this year, have invested heavily in their F1 project, with team owner Stroll funding a new state-of-the-art factory and wind tunnel in Silverstone, as well as securing Honda as a works engine partner from 2026.

Max Verstappen has also been linked with a move to Aston Martin, having capitalised on Newey’s knowledge of ground-effect cars with drivers’ titles in the last three years.

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Who will be working with Newey at Aston?

10:45 , Kieran Jackson

Newey has won 12 drivers’ championships and 13 constructors’ titles during a 30-plus year career in Formula 1, working for Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull.

He will be joined by ex-Mercedes engine chief Andy Cowell, who joins as CEO next month, and Ferrari’s former chassis technical director Enrico Cardile.

Dan Fallows, who worked as an aerodynamicist under Newey at Red Bull between 2006 and 2021, joined Aston Martin as technical director in 2022.

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Not many technical staff in F1 get an intro video like this...

10:40 , Kieran Jackson

We’re set to hear from Adrian Newey in around 20 minutes!

Max Verstappen makes shock F1 title statement amid Red Bull run of form

10:26 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen believes the destination of this year’s F1 world title is “not in his hands” after six races without a victory.

Red Bull driver Verstappen has not won since Barcelona in June and was out of contention for the win last time out in Monza, where Charles Leclerc was victorious at Ferrari’s home grand prix.

McLaren now looks to have the quickest car and Lando Norris is just 62 points behind Verstappen with eight races remaining, as the Dutchman looks to seal a fourth-straight world championship.

Upgrades brought to the RB20 in the last few months have not resulted in an upturn in performance and Verstappen insisted, after finishing sixth in Monza, that the title is no longer probable despite his healthy points advantage.

Read full quotes below:

Max Verstappen makes shock F1 title statement amid Red Bull run of form

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Why does Newey, 65, want to keep working in F1?

10:12 , Kieran Jackson

“I’ve wanted to work in motor racing as a designer since I was the age of eight or 10. I am lucky to have fulfilled that ambition, to have got that first job and been in motor racing ever since,” Newey said in May.

“Every day is just a bonus really. I love what I do.

“At some point I guess I will have a bit of a holiday. But as Forrest Gump said at the end of his long run, I feel a little bit tired at the moment but at some point I will probably go again.”

(And there’s also the £20m-a-year deal I suspect!)

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Martin Brundle could not help himself at the Dutch GP last month...

10:00 , Kieran Jackson

Adrian Newey – F1 latest: Lawrence Stroll keen to land Newey from the get-go

09:50 , Kieran Jackson

Newey, who was given a tour of Aston’s new HQ at Silverstone and was impressed with what he saw, met with team owner Lawrence Stroll earlier this year.

Stroll has poured billions of pounds into the Aston project in the last few years, signing two-time world champion Fernando Alonso to partner his son, Lance, and poach key Red Bull engineers such as Dan Fallows, the team’s technical director.

This triggered an upturn of results last year, with Alonso securing eight podiums, though the team have not won a race since Sergio Perez’s win in Bahrain in 2020 under their previous guise of Racing Point.

Adrian Newey – latest: What makes Newey’s signature so big for Aston?

09:35 , Kieran Jackson

Newey is seen as the key figure in Red Bull’s domination of F1 in the last three years, with his expertise in the current “ground-effect” era of car critical in Max Verstappen’s three consecutive world championships.

Yet Newey, unsettled by the furore surrounding Christian Horner and the internal politics within the team, confirmed his departure in May. He now no longer takes part in team meetings.

With F1’s engine and chassis regulations changing in 2026, Newey’s knowledge would be significant for any team able to draw upon his 30 years’ worth of experience in the sport.

Adrian Newey – latest: If there was any doubt at all...

09:31 , Kieran Jackson

Adrian Newey – latest: Christian Horner says Newey departure not reason behind Red Bull collapse

09:27 , Kieran Jackson

Christian Horner has insisted Adrian Newey’s shock departure is not the reason behind Red Bull’s sudden collapse – after Max Verstappen claimed he is now powerless to stop McLaren’s Lando Norris from winning the world championship.

Verstappen is now on a streak of six grands prix without a victory, while Red Bull have claimed just three wins since Newey – the British mastermind behind Verstappen’s recent dominance – announced he was leaving ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on May 5.

Newey’s exit came in the wake of the Horner scandal which rocked Red Bull, and the sport, ahead of the season.

Full story below:

Christian Horner says Adrian Newey departure not reason behind Red Bull collapse

Adrian Newey – latest: Red Bull design guru to sign for Aston Martin

09:24 , Kieran Jackson

Adrian Newey is set to speak at a press conference this morning with his move to Aston Martin to be announced at the team’s Silverstone base.

The 65-year-old F1 design guru, who has been with Red Bull for 19 years, is set to sign a lucrative £20m-a-year contract with Lawrence Stroll’s team.

Newey, who will leave Red Bull early next year, has won 12 drivers’ and 13 constructors’ championships during a successful 30-year career in Formula One. He has previously worked for Williams and McLaren.

Ferrari, who have Lewis Hamilton joining them in 2025, were heavily linked with signing Newey but the British designer has opted to stay in the UK and will begin work on aiding Aston’s bid to become world champions, with an eye on new engine and chassis regulations in 2026.

Follow live updates from Newey’s press conference, set to start at 11am (BST):