It was one of the main storylines that marked the pace of the 2024 season. Months passed between Adrian Newey’s departure from Red Bull and the announcement of his move to Aston Martin, filled with rumors, negotiations, and reflections that led the Englishman to join Lawrence Stroll’s project, at the expense of opportunities with Ferrari, McLaren, or Williams.
The 66-year-old from Colchester spoke to the German publication AMuS, revealing some of the reasons that led him to Aston Martin. As Adrian Newey himself recounts, “If 12 months ago I had been asked if I would leave Red Bull and start fresh with another team, I would have said ‘no, you’re crazy’.”
For the English engineer, leaving Milton Keynes was “the first difficult decision to make.” Then came discussions with his wife to decide together what steps to take: “With Mandy, we talked about various things. I’m fortunate not to have any particular financial needs; I could have simply retired and rested, or devoted myself completely to something else… but I would have gotten bored.”
Over the months, several teams – as was to be expected – expressed interest in the English “genius.” Ferrari seemed very close to Newey on several occasions, but McLaren and Williams also represented real possibilities.
Adrian Newey, the “yes” to Lawrence Stroll for an “old school” reason
No Maranello, nor Woking or Grove. The spark in Adrian Newey’s heart was lit by Lawrence Stroll’s green Aston Martin. “Lawrence’s passion, commitment, and enthusiasm are truly captivating and persuasive,” admitted the English engineer.
It was precisely the charisma of the Canadian manager that convinced the former key figure of Red Bull. For Adrian Newey, Aston Martin and the fiery personality of Stroll senior represent a romantic and decisive factor.
“If we go back 20 years, those we now call team principals were actually the team owners,” explained Newey, citing examples like Frank Williams, Ron Dennis, and Eddie Jordan. “In the modern era, Lawrence’s figure is quite unique. He is the only team owner so active, and working with such a figure, I believe, gives a particular feeling.”
“It feels like going back to the ‘old school’ model. Also, having the chance to be a shareholder is something that has never happened to me before,” an enthusiastic Newey continued. “It was a bit of a different choice, but I can’t wait to start. It was a natural decision to make.”
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