Adrian Newey shares why he’s been so impressed with Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll

Follow us on Google Discover

Aston Martin has confirmed that one of Formula 1’s most successful designers, Adrian Newey, will join the team next season.

After signing a long-term deal with the team reportedly worth £30m-a-year, which is more than most F1 drivers on the grid, legendary designer Adrian Newey will take up the role of managing technical partner as well as a shareholder.

It is a massive statement of intent from billionaire owner, Lawrence Stroll, having recently moved into a state-of-the-art factory that is the ‘most modern’ on the F1 grid.

When Newey announced he was leaving Red Bull in April, several teams went into discussions with him including Ferrari. Newey also recieved offers from Alpine and Williams, although neither were lucrative enough to proceed.

After several weeks of deliberations, team principal Frederic Vasseur eventually rejected the offer for Newey to join Ferrari because of his demands, which paved the way for him to join Aston Martin.

With several key developements at their new Silverstone-based factory, Newey explained why they were a standout choice in amongst the grid when speaking at the official announcement.

Adrian Newey impressed by Lawrence Stroll’s passion

Since he bought the Aston Martin team when it was called Force India in 2018, Stroll has invested heavily in their infrastructure behind the scenes.

Prior to the takeover, the team had a technical partnership with Mercedes and used their wind tunnel facilities. Newey explained why he was impressed the most by Stroll’s approach and why it became a ‘very persuasive’ option.

“I was very flattered to have a lot of approaches from various teams. But really, Lawrence’s passion, commitment and enthusiasm are very endearing and persuasive,” said Newey.

“The reality is, if you go back 20 years what we now call Team Principals were the owners of the teams; Frank Williams, Ron Dennis, Eddie Jordan etc… In this modern era, Lawrence is unique in being the only properly active team owner.

“I think that is a different feeling when you have somebody like Lawrence involved like that, and to be a shareholder and partner has never been offered to me before. It became a very natural choice.”

Adrian Newey invaluable as Lawrence Stroll sets up title winning team

Newey’s skills are considered to be a valuable currency in the modern world of F1, as he is often credited for interpreting and exploiting new regulations early to deliver competitive cars.

He will join Aston Martin fully in March, which is just months after teams are set to start working on the 2026 cars in January.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Aston Martin will switch to Honda engines from Mercedes in the 2026 season, which will put them in a position to compete as a works manufacturer as their sole supply.

Former Mercedes High Performance Powertrains boss, Andy Cowell has also joined this year as Chief Technical Officer, while Red Bull aerodynamicist Dan Fallows backs up an impressive roster of backroom staff.

The team also recently renewed Fernando Alonso’s contract through to the 2026 season, a driver that Newey has previously said he dreamed of working alongside.