Adrian Newey has ‘gone into hiding’ amid latest Aston Martin claims

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The future of Adrian Newey has been one of the biggest stories in Formula 1 this season. In one of the most hectic driver markets for years, Newey has been able to compete for publicity.

That’s a testament to his standing within the sport. Newey has been involved in 25 championship successes during his time at Williams, McLaren and Red Bull.

He resigned from his chief technical officer role with the world champions ahead of the Miami Grand Prix at the start of May. Some believe Red Bull are collapsing, with sporting director Jonathan Wheatley following him out the door.

Clearly, this could have ramifications for the future of Max Verstappen. But beyond that, Newey’s availability could change the competitive landscape in Formula 1, such is his genius.

Several teams have explored a deal, some more seriously than others. Newey rejected a return to Williams because the scale of the task was too great.

Meanwhile, Fred Vasseur rebuffed Newey as he demanded significant influence in his negotiations with Ferrari. Aston Martin were prepared to accept his demands, and so Newey has reached an agreement with Lawrence Stroll.

Adrian Newey avoids public eye after reported agreement with Aston Martin

There is considerable excitement in the press about the prospect of Newey working with Fernando Alonso. Stroll plans to invest £783m to make Aston Martin a title-winning team, and he’s already brought in ex-Mercedes engine mastermind Andy Cowell ahead of the transition to Honda power.

Newey approved the signing of Enrico Cardile, the Ferrari technical director, and together they will form a mighty team in the aerodynamic department. Aston could soon be a force in F1 as a result of these hires.

But Newey himself has ‘little interest’ in all of the current chatter, according to F1-Insider. That’s why he’s ‘gone into hiding’ with his wife Amanda.

Alongside manager Eddie Jordan, they’ve been deliberating the best course of action. Newey is only attending select races with Red Bull this year as his involvement in their F1 operation wanes.

The Adrian Newey demands Ferrari couldn’t accept

For a long time, a move to Italy seemed to be on the cards. Newey to Ferrari looked a ‘done’ deal before a ‘dramatic’ late turnaround.

There were a couple of reasons why the Scuderia walked away. Newey’s salary demands were deemed excessive, with the 65-year-old intent on doubling his Red Bull earnings.

Stroll was happy to pay up, and Aston Martin offered Newey a whopping £21m per season. That’s more than 15 Formula 1 driver salaries.

In addition, Marc Priestley claims Newey would expect to bring up to 20 employees with him to his new team. Ferrari weren’t prepared to restructure their entire operation around him, and may hand the keys to their new technical director instead.