Jaime Alguersuari points to key signing that convinced Adrian Newey to join Aston Martin

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Lawrence Stroll has built what many see as a formidable force in Formula 1 at Aston Martin when the new regulations come into effect in 2026.

The billionaire team owner has invested heavily in new state-of-the-art factory facilities at Silverstone and in bringing key figures into the fold including former Mercedes engines boss Andy Cowell, Red Bull aerodynamicist Dan Fallows, and legendary designer Adrian Newey.

Newey joins the team from Red Bull after spending 18 years at the nearby Milton Keynes outfit, where he achieved seven titles with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

It is a significant signing for Aston Martin after Newey’s manager, former F1 team boss Eddie Jordan, claimed that nearly every team on the grid was after his signature.

According to former Red Bull driver Jaime Alguersuari when speaking to Jugones, there was a significant factor that swayed Newey’s decision to join the team.

Adrian Newey wanted to work with Fernando Alonso

It is no secret that Newey has wanted to work with some of the F1 greats of the modern era including Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

Newey went into advanced talks with Ferrari but they ultimately didn’t materialise, meaning his next best option was to work at Aston Martin alongside Alonso for a 2026 title assult.

Alguersuari believes this was a key factor in swaying Newey’s decision over which team he would eventually chose to work under.

“If Alonso wasn’t in Aston Martin, Newey would have thought twice,” said Alguersuari.

“Alonso’s third world title is coming. Aston Martin has to be very bad to not take the third world championship. 2026 is the year of Aston Martin for sure.”

Adrian Newey impressed by Lawrence Stroll

There are many reasons why Newey saw Aston Martin as the team with the most potential heading into what he branded the most signficant rules change in F1 history.

Not only have they got the facilities onsite to produce a car that can win races and challenge for championships, in contrast to Red Bull’s ageing wind tunnel, but they also have the backroom staff.

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

Newey said he was impressed most by Stroll’s approach since purchasing the team in 2018, having reinvested in a team that historically used to outsource a lot of its work including using Mercedes’ wind tunnel.

Stroll called Newey a “bargain” when it emerged that his rumoured £30m-a-year salary was more than some drivers on the grid. His real impact will be seen when they take to the track in 2026 and if they can finally challenge regularly for victories.