Could the engineering genius Adrian Newey be on the brink of a dramatic shift in the Formula 1 world?
The motorsport community is buzzing with speculation about the future of Adrian Newey, the renowned F1 car designer, as he prepares to leave Red Bull by early summer 2025. At 65, Newey’s next move is highly anticipated, with rumors linking him to several top teams. Despite officially expressing a desire to take a break from F1, Newey remains active at Red Bull, focusing on the RB17 hypercar while on a soft gardening leave.
Among the persistent speculations, Ferrari and Aston Martin have emerged as potential teams for Newey’s talents. Ferrari presents a legendary challenge, being one of the few major teams Newey hasn’t worked with. Meanwhile, Aston Martin is undergoing a metamorphosis, thanks to its owner Lawrence Stroll, who has enhanced the team’s infrastructure and resources significantly.
A report by Italian publication Autosprint sheds more light on Newey’s decision, indicating that he favors staying with a UK-based team, specifically Aston Martin, over moving to Italy. This aligns with remarks by Jeremy Clarkson, who, during the British Grand Prix weekend, hinted on Dutch television that Newey was searching for properties in Oxfordshire rather than Maranello. Clarkson and Newey share a friendship that dates back to their school days, adding weight to the speculation.
Autosprint claims that Aston Martin has put forth a compelling $100 million offer for a four-year engagement. During a secretive visit to Aston Martin’s Silverstone facility in June, Newey was reportedly impressed by what he saw. The factory staff were discreetly sent away, underscoring the confidentiality surrounding the visit. New developments like the exclusive Honda power unit supply, beginning in 2026 as the Japanese manufacturer transitions from Red Bull, could be a deciding factor for Newey.
The official announcement of Newey’s next destination is expected after the summer, as contractual obligations with Red Bull prevent any earlier disclosure. Aston Martin’s spokesperson remarked on the allure of their current projects, supported by strategic partnerships with Aramco and Honda, yet no formal confirmations are on the table. As all eyes await the post-summer revelations, Aston Martin cautiously handles the speculation, neither confirming nor denying their connection to Newey.
The Formula 1 world is on edge, waiting for Adrian Newey’s next career move. Whether he opts to fuel Aston Martin’s ambitions with his expertise or takes a step back from the limelight, the outcome of his decision holds significant weight for F1’s competitive landscape.
