The Formula 1 team of Aston Martin has made a fresh contract offer to Red Bull’s renowned designer, Adrian Newey.
Newey, whose design prowess has attracted significant attention since he joined Red Bull in 2005, played a pivotal role in the team’s championship triumphs with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 to 2013 and currently with Max Verstappen.
Sources reveal that Lawrence Stroll, the head of Aston Martin, has intensified efforts by presenting a lucrative contract offer during the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix weekend. The aim is to entice the legendary 65-year-old designer from Milton Keynes to their Silverstone headquarters nearby.
Stroll’s ambitious vision involves assembling a team capable of competing with Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari in the long term.
In addition to establishing a cutting-edge headquarters, including plans for a new wind tunnel, Stroll has successfully recruited key designers from rival teams and secured a works Honda deal for the 2026 regulations era.
Securing Newey’s services could be perceived as the final piece needed to bridge the gap to Formula 1’s traditional powerhouses and persuade lead driver Fernando Alonso to extend his tenure beyond his current contract.
Moreover, it could strengthen Aston Martin’s position in retaining world champion Verstappen, who has garnered interest from Mercedes. Verstappen’s successful partnership with Newey and Honda, conveniently located just 20 miles away, could be a compelling reason for him to stay.
Verstappen holds significant influence over the 2025 driver market, with Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff acknowledging him as their primary target to potentially replace Lewis Hamilton, should he opt to leave Red Bull before the conclusion of his contract in 2028.
Despite previous unsuccessful attempts by rival teams to attract Newey away from Red Bull, the current internal dynamics and power struggles within the Milton Keynes team could potentially alter the equation.
Stroll’s latest offer presents Newey with an enticing opportunity to cap off his illustrious career with a fresh challenge, potentially elevating him to one of the highest-paid figures in the sport.
However, the success of Stroll’s endeavor remains uncertain, given Newey’s commitment to Red Bull through a multi-year contract extension signed just last year, coupled with his stated intention of remaining loyal to the team.
