‘Very senior source’ has told David Coulthard which F1 team Adrian Newey isn’t signing for

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The next move for legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey is the subject of much debate as he leaves Red Bull at the end of the season.

Newey has been a significant architect of Red Bull’s success since it started in 2006, taking them to championship-winning success within four years.

Before that, he worked at McLaren and Williams where he produced successful cars through the 90s and early 00s. In total, he has achieved 13 Drivers’ and 12 Constructors’ Championships and looks set to add to that if Red Bull can win championships this year.

The Englishman looks set to join another team on the grid, but there are questions over which team it might be. Former F1 driver David Coulthard and team owner Eddie Jordan discussed his future on the Formula for Success podcast.

David Coulthard shares what he was told by ‘senior source’ on Adrian Newey

Newey has negotiated his way out of any gardening leave as part of his contract ending at Red Bull, meaning he is free to work for any team as early as the winter break.

This gives him time to have influence on a team’s 2026 car design, which many are set to begin work on in January once the regulations are signed off this year.

Coulthard shared what he has been told about Newey’s future when discussing it with Jordan, who is also close to the designer.

Jordan: “David, you have made a statement, which you don’t often do, because you don’t often come off the fence, and you’ve made a position as to where you think that Adrian may or may not be going. And I would say to you, one, that I cannot believe that what you said is currently in a situation where you can justifiably say that as a fact.

Coulthard: “Well, he’s not going to Ferrari.

EJ: “Well, why do you say that? Why do you say that? I need to know that.

DC: “Because a very senior source has said no. So he’s not going to McLaren.

EJ: “Why is that?

DC: “Unless it’s linked to road cars, why would you bring Adrian into something that’s working right now? McLaren have found a trend of development.”

Aston Martin favourites for Adrian Newey

Aston Martin appears to be the firm favourite to get Newey’s signature after billionaire team owner Lawrence Stroll recently had dinner with him.

The team has gone on a recruitment spree in the last few races, signing ex-Mercedes engine chief Andy Cowell and Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile. Veteran engineer Bob Bell is also onboard, while the team has been noted for having the most up-to-date car building facilities.

Newey recently had a tour of the Aston Martin factory located near Silverstone Circuit, with Stroll dismissing many of his staff for the day in an attempt to keep it secret.

Although it looks like a lucrative option, and likely one Aston Martin can afford with backing from Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco, Newey might be deterred by Stroll’s often ruthless way of doing business according to one journalist.