Peter Windsor explains why Adrian Newey earns millions more than some F1 drivers

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Adrian Newey is set to be announced at Aston Martin imminently in what could be a £30m-a-year deal for the leading Formula 1 designer.

After negotiating an early exit in April from his Red Bull contract, Adrian Newey is set to join Aston Martin on a multi-year commitment with a deal that is reportedly bigger than most drivers on the grid.

Newey has built up a reputation on the F1 grid as being one of the most successful designers, having most recently led Red Bull to seven Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles.

He is also notorious for having an advantage early on during a regulation set, which will come in handy for Aston Martin during the switch to the new cars in 2026. Billionaire team owner Lawrence Stroll has invested millions in a new state-of-the-art technical complex at their Silverstone base.

Discussing his appointment and rumoured salary on the Cameron Cc podcast, Peter Windsor has explained why teams are willing to pay millions for Newey’s services.

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

Adrian Newey worth millions compared to drivers

Some would criticise Aston Martin for spending millions on Newey when they could employ a decent driver along with several other engineers.

Newey will reportedly earn more than 15 F1 drivers currently on the grid, including Lando Norris, with his Aston Martin contract.

According to Windsor, Newey is worth more than most drivers on the grid due to his impressive ability to extract the most out of a set of regulations.

“He’s [Newey] worth a lot more money than that and anybody who thinks he should not be paid more than a Grand Prix driver doesn’t understand the sport. It’s basically 60% car and 40% driver, if you don’t have a good car then you won’t win races,” said Windsor.

“Adrian is worth all that and I suspect a lot more. If Ferrari had spent €1b (£800m) five years ago and won four drivers championships and four constructors, they would have got that €1b (£800m) back easily.”

Adrian Newey finally working with Fernando Alonso

Aston Martin has contracted two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso until the end of 2026, meaning it is likely Newey will fulfil a dream of working with the Spaniard.

Alonso would love nothing more than to have a car designed by Newey which can challenge for titles, after suffering an underwhelming season so far this year.

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

It has been a decade-long wait since he last won a race in F1, as he chases a 33rd victory in his 20-year career.

It appears this will most likely happen in 2026 when the new regulations come into play when Aston Martin is going to be switching to Honda engines.