Aston Martin have already struck an exclusive Honda engine deal for 2026 and tied down two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. And now they’ve received a major boost in their pursuit of Adrian Newey.
In a move that could be seismic for Formula 1, Newey intends to leave world champions Red Bull. The timeline for an exit is unclear at this stage, but it seems the 65-year-old wants out before the end of the season.
Whether or not they had an inkling that he was unhappy at Milton Keynes, Aston Martin had been chasing him even before the news emerged. That’s no surprise given his track record as a 12-time F1 champion.
A report last month claimed that Aston saw both Newey and Max Verstappen as ‘feasible targets’. Billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll subsequently ‘upped the ante’ in his efforts to lure the designer away.
Racing driver Richard Bradley heard that Newey has received an ‘enticing’ offer from the Silverstone outfit. However, that offer placed a significant emphasis on projects outside of motorsport.
Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok has called for the 65-year-old to link up with Fernando Alonso in a ‘dream’ move. If that happens and Verstappen goes to Mercedes, it could be just the ‘shake-up’ F1 needs.
Where Aston Martin figures think Adrian Newey will go
Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater has spoken to those in the know at Aston Martin. Rather than sounding bullish, they’ve actually offered a somewhat pessimistic assessment of their chances of landing Newey.
They think that he’s more likely to join rivals Ferrari than he is to accept a proposal from Stroll. That, of course, depends on whether he chooses to stay in F1.
“Some insiders within Aston Martin have been explaining to me that they think, if he is to go somewhere else, it would be Ferrari potentially,” Slater said. “So let’s see.”
Is Adrian Newey going to Ferrari?
Newey has previously revealed that he’s rejected three offers from Ferrari over the course of his long career. He recognises the unique allure of the Italian marquee but has concerns over the ruthless culture at Maranello.
But Ferrari seem determined to make it fourth time lucky. And now he appears to be more receptive than ever.
Alongside Aston Martin, Fred Vasseur and co. have also been working on a move for Newey. It’s unclear whether or not they could have him in time to design their 2026 car, which will be subject to F1’s new regulations.
David Croft has said he ‘would love’ to see Newey work alongside Lewis Hamilton in what’s likely to be his final F1 challenge. It would be a duo with 19 titles between them.
Ferrari haven’t won the drivers’ championship since 2007 when Kimi Raikkonen edged out McLaren drivers Alonso and Hamilton. Newey could be the final piece of the puzzle as they bid to end that lengthy drought.
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