Aston Martin want to sign Adrian Newey after he leaves Red Bull. The world champions confirmed ahead of the Miami Grand Prix that Newey would depart in early 2025.
There were already reports earlier in the year, long before Newey’s exit was confirmed, that Lawrence Stroll wanted him. He apparently stepped up his pursuit around a month ago in the hope of securing Max Verstappen too.
But he’ll no doubt have sensed a fresh opportunity after the 65-year-old officially handed in his resignation. According to BBC F1 journalist Andrew Benson, he’ll be free to join a new team from mid-to-late February.
Stroll is ready to pay him a staggering £400k-a-week to convince him to set up operations in Silverstone. Team principal Mike Krack denied that any such offer had been made, but Natalie Pinkham wasn’t totally buying it.
While any team would be a step down from Red Bull, Aston would certainly offer a big challenge at this late stage of his career. The team took a big step in the right direction last year as they scored eight podiums.
They haven’t bagged any top-three finishes so far in 2024, but Newey would be backed by huge resources as he looked to deliver a championship-winning car. He’d also have the chance to work with the legendary Fernando Alonso, who recently signed a new contract.
What Lance Stroll had to say on Adrian Newey rumours
Speaking in the drivers’ press conference ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Lance Stroll inevitably faced questions about the prospect of working with Newey. Many drivers on the grid would relish such an opportunity.
After all, the Englishman has won a combined 25 championships during his career, including 13 during his stint at Red Bull. He could potentially give Stroll the tools to secure his first race win.
Stroll, however, was tight-lipped on the possibility of Newey arriving, simply stating: “I guess time will tell.”
Alonso was much more enthusiastic, hailing the designer as a ‘legend of the sport’. He feels it’s a ‘good sign’ that Aston have even been linked.
Ferrari have edge over Aston Martin in Adrian Newey race
It looks like Aston have a big task on their hands to prevent Newey joining Ferrari instead. Already last week, team insiders were telling Craig Slater that they expected him to move to Maranello.
Indeed, after previously turning down the Scuderia three times, he’s now ‘seriously considering’ making the jump. They’ve offered him exactly the kind of ‘super consultant’ role he wants.
Newey met with team principal Fred Vasseur in London ahead of their trips to Miami. Although, when asked about those talks, Vasseur didn’t engage.
Barring a late change of heart, it looks as if the Italian marquee will once again get their man. Aston will still feel hugely optimistic about their future, but they may miss out on a statement signing.
The post Lance Stroll gives five-word response when asked about Adrian Newey joining Aston Martin in 2025 appeared first on F1 Oversteer.