Adrian Newey to join Aston Martin as Silverstone squad win race to sign F1 design guru

Aston Martin have won the race to sign Adrian Newey, with the Formula 1 design guru joining the British manufacturer on a long-term deal as Managing Technical Partner.

In May, Red Bull announced Newey was leaving the reigning world champions after almost 20 years meaning the acclaimed British designer – with 25 world championship under his belt – was on the market.

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That triggered a flurry of conversations with rival teams – including Aston Martin, Ferrari and Williams – about his next move and on Tuesday, ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Aston Martin revealed they had won the fight.

The team said that a private tour of the team’s state-of-the-art factory in June “proved a decisive factor in the decision-making process”.

He’ll join on March 1 2025, in time for him to have an impact on the 2026 car that will be built to sweeping new regulations including a new power unit formula.

The 65-year-old will have access to a brand-new factory, including a new wind tunnel and in-loop simulator, and be challenged with integrating a new works power unit supplier in the shape of Honda.

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“I am thrilled to be joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team,” said Newey. “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.”

Aston Martin Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll, added: “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.

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“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.”