The 2024 season has been disappointing for Aston Martin so far. Despite showing encouraging qualifying pace in the early rounds (Bahrain, Jeddah and China), the AMR24 has proven a mediocre car – especially on race day. However, with the 2026 regulations on the horizon, there is some very positive news for Aston Martin. Adrian Newey is understood to have signed with the British squad.
Aston Martin win the race for Adrian Newey
Aston Martin have pursued Newey for months
Throughout the summer, LWOS has written extensively about the negotiations between Adrian Newey and Aston Martin. For some time now, Lawrence Stroll’s team have been the front-runners to secure the 65-year-old’s signature.
Lawrence Stroll has shown no shortage of ambition since joining Aston Martin, investing heavily in the newest facilities and best personnel. Partly because of this, the team’s poor results in 2024 have become increasingly unacceptable.
After this year’s Imola GP, when Aston Martin introduced a largely ineffective update package, the team held an important meeting. Although the exact details are unknown, it is no secret that the pressure on team principal Mike Krack and technical director Dan Fallows began to rise.
Simultaneously, the Silverstone-based team began pursuing Adrian Newey’s signature more enthusiastically.
Lawrence Stroll goes the extra mile
The team’s first contact with Newey came at the Saudi Arabia GP in February, when they first gauged his receptiveness to a move away from Red Bull. Since then, talks have only advanced.
When the British engineer visited the factory over the summer, negotiations were already at an advanced stage. In the time since then, Aston Martin have been in Pole Position to secure his signature.
An engine deal with Honda, recently built state-of-the-art facilities and – crucially – the presence of Fernando Alonso have made Lawrence Stroll’s project an attractive one for Newey.
Previously, the 65-year-old has described not working with Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso as his two biggest regrets in Formula 1. With this move, he will work with one of these drivers – although his impact on development is unlikely to be felt before 2026.
Still, Newey’s arrival is a huge statement of intent from Aston Martin. He will join ex-Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile on the British team’s project, with all sights set on starting the next regulations on the front foot.
Unlike Ferrari, Aston Martin have been more willing to accommodate Newey’s demands and preferences. Both from a financial and pragmatic perspective, Lawrence Stroll has done everything possible to get this deal across the line.
All that remains is an announcement, which is anticipated before the upcoming Baku GP.
