Peter Windsor shares what he believes was a ‘massive influence’ on Adrian Newey’s future

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The future of Adrian Newey has nearly overshadowed most of what has happened in the Formula 1 driver market this year.

The 65-year-old is one of F1’s legendary designers and is often credited for building Red Bull into the title-winning success juggernaut that it has become today.

Adrian Newey resigned from his role as chief technical officer at this year’s Miami Grand Prix, following a few members of Red Bull’s inner circle of success including sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.

Following a period of speculation that he would move to Ferrari, Newey is now expected to join Aston Martin after being given an offer he could not refuse from billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll.

Discussing one of the main factors behind his move to the Silverstone-based team on his YouTube channel, Peter Windsor believes another recent signing from Aston Martin played an important role.

Peter Windsor identifies Lawrence Stroll’s ‘intelligent’ decision

Among the most recent signings by Aston Martin, one of those is former Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell.

Cowell was credited for heading the engine programme that saw Mercedes produce one of the most successful hybrid engines in motorsport, having achieved title success in F1 from 2014 through to 2021 as a Constructor.

Windsor believes the formation of a Newey and Cowell dream team has been a key driving factor behind the 65-year-old’s decision to move to Aston Martin.

“Lawrence Stroll has done a very intelligent thing by hiring Andy Cowell. That has probably had a massive influence on Adrian’s [Newey] decision as well, because that’s everybody’s worst nightmare,” said Windsor.

“Andy Cowell is behind the success of the Mercedes powertrain and it’s impossible to buy that experience and talent. It’s the dream combination.”

Aston Martin set for title assault from 2026

Aston Martin could be in for a title assault from the 2026 season with the addition of Newey and Cowell, just in time for the arrival of Honda as their main power unit supplier.

Honda will only be supplying Aston Martin from the beginning of the new regulations, but the addition of Cowell’s expertise should provide a welcome boost to their chances of producing a competitive power unit.

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

Newey is also reportedly bringing up to 20 engineers with him, which should also improve Aston Martin’s competitive chances in the short term.

Having also poached Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile, it looks set to be a formidable aerodynamic department.