Jolyon Palmer backs Aston Martin to lure 13-podium driver after signing Adrian Newey

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Aston Martin have signed Adrian Newey, arguably the greatest designer in Formula 1 history. In addition to significantly boosting their competitive prospects, it will also make them a much more attractive proposition in the driver market.

Lawrence Stroll wants his team to compete for world champions after the major changes to the regulations in 18 months. He’s assembled a world-class engineering department, with Enrico Cardile, Dan Fallows and Andy Cowell also involved.

But Newey is the figure drivers will be truly desperate to work with given his track record. He’s been involved in a combined total of 25 world championships across three different decades.

Despite his inconsistent performances, there’s little indication that Stroll is considering parting with his son Lance. There may be more intrigue, then, on the opposite side of the garage.

Fernando Alonso signed a new contract earlier this season, committing until the end of 2026. But he’ll be 45 by the time that deal expires, so many would expect him to retire.

Aston Martin want to sign Max Verstappen but they will face stiff competition from Mercedes if he decides to leave Red Bull. Fortunately, he’s not the only star driver they could attract.

Adrian Newey could make Aston Martin attractive for George Russell

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s F1: Chequered Flag podcast, former driver Jolyon Palmer suggested that George Russell may now be open to joining Aston Martin in the future. Russell is out of contract at the end of next season.

With Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes in 2026, the Briton could find himself battling rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli for Toto Wolff’s long-term faith. Aston Martin represent an increasingly attractive plan-b.

Palmer also thinks this could pose an issue for Red Bull. Should they lose Verstappen, they may face a new rival when pursuing A-list replacements.

“If you’re George Russell, if you’re Lando Norris, you’ve now got Aston Martin as a viable alternative,” Palmer said. “Red Bull could be left in a bit of a pickle with their own line-up if they don’t keep Max.”

Another F1 race winner could ‘walk away’ from his team to join Aston Martin

Russell has also been linked with Audi as uncertainty over his Mercedes future slowly begins to grow. There may not be a vacancy at Aston Martin in 12 months, with Alonso still under contract.

In theory, he could ‘swap’ seats with Verstappen if the world champion decides to join the Silver Arrows. With two wins and 13 podiums to his name, you could argue he’d be a worthy successor for Red Bull.

Timing-wise, Carlos Sainz to Aston Martin might make more sense. His newly-signed Williams deal features a get-out clause at the end of 2026.

Sainz could assess the performance of the two teams at the start of F1’s new era and then potentially push for a move to Aston. The expectation in some quarters is that he’d walk away from James Vowles’ project if a faster route back to the front of the grid emerged.