Aston Martin are the team most likely to sign Adrian Newey after he leaves Red Bull
For several months, Adrian Newey was the hottest topic in the F1 paddock. Speculation on his future stole all the headlines after it was announced the 65-year-old was leaving Red Bull. In recent weeks, amidst an intensifying battle at the front, talk about Newey’s future has significantly quietened. However, behind the scenes, it is understood that Aston Martin are in the best position to earn his signature.
When Newey’s Red Bull exit was first revealed, several teams were floated as potential next destinations.
Initially, Ferrari were the team widely reported as the favourites to sign Adrian Newey.
Indeed, it is understood that Fred Vasseur’s team sent the British engineer a formal offer several months ago.
With the loss of Technical Director Enrico Cardile, there is now a natural opening to be filled at Ferrari.
However, all indications suggest that Newey has opted against joining the Italian outfit.
Despite admitting in previous years that he regretted never working for the Scuderia, the Maranello-based team are no longer seen as front-runners to secure his services.
Meanwhile, Lawrence Stroll’s Aston Martin are now in Pole Position to pull off a potentially blockbuster signing.
The Silverstone-based team have targeted Newey for some time, and they are inching closer to an agreement.
Ferrari out of contention
A few months ago, it was revealed that Adrian Newey was given a private tour of the Aston Martin factory.
At the time, Lawrence Stroll’s active involvement in negotiations behind the scenes was already established.
In the weeks since, more evidence has mounted to suggest Aston Martin are in a favourable position.
Perhaps most significantly, it is relatively well-established that one of their biggest threats to sign Newey – Ferrari – are no longer in the race.
Moving to Italy seems to be out of the question for Newey, who was seemingly unconvinced by Vasseur’s offer.
Recent reports indicate that Mike Elliot is now one of Ferrari’s main targets, suggesting that the former Red Bull engineer is beyond reach.
Lawrence Stroll working diligently to secure Newey deal
Over the course of 2024, Aston Martin have struggled for performance.
Much like in the second half of last season, the British team have lost ground to the front-runners and fallen down the field.
This regression is not being taken well by Lawrence Stroll, who met with team principal Mike Krack and Technical Director Dan Fallows after the AMR24’s Imola upgrades failed to deliver.
It is no secret that the senior personnel at Aston Martin are under immense pressure.
With results this year still unsatisfactory, Stroll will exercise whatever means necessary to change the state of affairs.
Even before Newey’s availability, Lawrence Stroll gauged his interest in a move away from Red Bull earlier this year at the Saudi Arabia GP.
Unsurprisingly, Stroll’s efforts to sign Newey have only intensified since then.
His investment in Aston Martin is significant, and the team’s engine deal with Honda is evidence of the team’s ambition.
To Stroll, getting Adrian Newey’s signature could be the final piece of the puzzle – especially ahead of the 2026 regulations.
Nothing is confirmed at this stage, and there is unlikely to be any official news in the coming weks.
However, by the time F1 returns from the summer break in late August, there should be more developments on this evolving situation.
