F1 Designer Adrian Newey to Join Aston Martin After Departing Red Bull

SILVERSTONE, England — Adrian Newey, the most significant car designer in Formula 1, will be joining Aston Martin as managing technical partner in March 2025 after departing from Red Bull Racing.

Newey has had an impressive career with Red Bull, where he played a crucial role in the team’s remarkable success over nearly two decades. His design expertise is credited with guiding Red Bull to the forefront of Formula 1, and now he is setting his sights on helping Aston Martin reach similar heights. Although the team has ambitious plans and the financial backing of billionaire Lawrence Stroll, they have yet to secure a race win.

In his new role, Newey will be instrumental in shaping Aston Martin’s response to the updated F1 regulations set to take effect in 2026. The arrival of fresh regulations presents both opportunities and challenges, and Newey’s vast experience will be invaluable as the team looks to enhance its competitiveness.

Lawrence Stroll expressed enthusiasm about Newey’s move, stating, “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.” His confidence in Newey’s abilities is evident as the team gears up for a transformative period.

The last major regulatory change occurred in 2022, introducing ground effect aerodynamics to Formula 1, which greatly influenced the performance of the cars. During this shift, it was Newey’s designs at Red Bull that ultimately led Max Verstappen to win the championship, showcasing Newey’s deep understanding of aerodynamics and car development, which dates back to his university thesis in the 1980s that explored ground effect in motorsports.

Aston Martin’s driver lineup features two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, whom Newey has previously expressed interest in collaborating with, and Lance Stroll, the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. This dynamic duo will undoubtedly benefit from Newey’s expertise as they strive for greater success in the sport.

Since joining Red Bull in 2006, Newey has been pivotal in the team’s dominance, contributing to seven drivers’ championships, including the last three titles held by Verstappen, along with six constructors’ championships. His departure represents a significant transition for Red Bull and an exciting prospect for Aston Martin.

Earlier this year, Red Bull announced that Newey would reduce his direct involvement in Formula 1 design as he shifts focus toward the production of the RB17, a venture that will occupy his time before he officially leaves for Aston Martin in early 2025.

Newey’s transition marks a pivotal moment in the competitive landscape of Formula 1, particularly as teams prepare to navigate the upcoming regulatory changes. His new role at Aston Martin is already generating buzz within the motorsport community, with many eager to see the impact he will have on the team’s engineering and overall performance.

The upcoming seasons promise to be highly competitive, as Newey aims to draw from his extensive knowledge and previous successes to guide Aston Martin on their ambitious journey toward race victories, a goal that has so far eluded the team. As the F1 landscape evolves, Newey’s involvement could redefine Aston Martin’s fortunes and potentially reshape the competitive dynamics of the sport.