What left Adrian Newey ‘gobsmacked’ during Aston Martin talks as he closes in on signing contract

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Red Bull Racing appear to be in a world of trouble and can no longer rely on one of their most talented minds to help them solve their issues.

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were way off the pace during the Italian Grand Prix and both championships appear to be in doubt.

However, chief technical officer Adrian Newey announced earlier in the year that he would be leaving Red Bull after nearly two decades and appears to have made his mind up on his next destination.

A report from the Daily Mail suggests that Newey will sign a £20m-a-year deal to join Aston Martin.

It’s been a difficult season for Lawrence Stroll’s team with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll regularly fighting over the final points-paying positions each weekend.

They sit 9^th and 10^th in the Drivers’ Championship but Stroll is only averaging 1.5 points per race weekend.

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

Plenty of teams were courting the 65-year-old with Ferrari particularly keen on hiring Newey ahead of Lewis Hamilton joining the team.

Newey also held talks with Flavio Briatore over a move to Alpine but he’s decided to remain based in the UK.

In particular, Newey was seriously impressed with one aspect of the Aston Martin project which is ramping up behind the scenes even if results haven’t improved on the track this year.

Adrian Newey closing in on signing a bumper Aston Martin contract

The report from the Daily Mail explains that the likes of McLaren and Williams also reached out to Newey over a potential deal.

However, he appears to have his heart set on joining Aston Martin and a visit to their new factory may have played a key role.

READ MORE: F1 team boss sent his staff home to keep Adrian Newey factory visit a secret

The story goes on to say that Newey was ‘gobsmacked’ by Aston Martin’s new state-of-the-art facility.

It isn’t completed yet but will be by the time the 2026 season begins which is essential for the team.

That’s when Formula 1 introduces the newest set of regulations and if Newey is known for one thing, it’s understanding F1’s rules better than anyone else in the paddock.

Aston Martin could make an Adrian Newey announcement soon

According to journalist Molly Hudson, news of Newey’s move could be coming sooner rather than later, writing on X: “Expecting contract with Aston Martin to be signed this week.”

Lawrence Stroll has been active in recruiting the best staff possible for his F1 team while retaining the services of Alonso and his son.

Enrico Cardile has joined from Ferrari and Newey is already a big fan of Cardile’s work.

Aston Martin beat most of their F1 rivals to the signing of Andy Cowell who has a big job on his hands, particularly ahead of Honda’s arrival in 2026.

Dan Fallows is another big name brought in by the team from Red Bull and will likely relish working alongside the 65-year-old again.

Newey has worked wonders wherever he’s gone in the paddock and Aston Martin will hope he’s capable of doing so again as they chase their first victory – and world championship – in Formula 1.