Aston Martin secures Newey's signature in $100m deal

Adrian Newey, the most celebrated designer in Formula 1 history, has reportedly finalized a move to Aston Martin in a deal worth a staggering $100 million over three years.

This sensational development, if confirmed, would mark a seismic shift in the sport's technical landscape and potentially reshape the competitive order from 2026 onwards.

The Newey saga unfolds

The Formula 1 world was sent into a frenzy on May 1 when Newey announced his impending departure from Red Bull, the team he has guided to unprecedented success since 2006.

Speculation immediately began swirling about his next destination, with Ferrari initially touted as the frontrunner.

However, according to former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos, it is Aston Martin who have secured Newey's services in a coup that could redefine the team's future.

Doornbos claims the deal has been "finalised," with an official announcement expected in September.

Financial and technical freedom

The reported terms of Newey's agreement with Aston Martin are nothing short of extraordinary.

Doornbos states that the designer will earn $100 million over three years, effectively doubling his Red Bull salary.

But it's not just about the money - Newey has also been promised "major input in technical decisions," a level of control that apparently proved too much for Ferrari to stomach.

Doornbos elaborated on the breakdown of talks with the Scuderia, saying,

"Newey's demands were high. He sought a salary double what he earned at Red Bull and greater control over technical staff. "

"This proved too much for Ferrari's team boss, Frederic Vasseur, and the negotiations ultimately fell through."

Aston Martin's Technical Powerhouse

If confirmed, Newey's arrival would be the crowning jewel in Aston Martin's ambitious technical restructuring.

The Silverstone-based team has already made waves with recent high-profile appointments, including former Mercedes engine guru Andy Cowell and ex-Ferrari tech boss Enrico Cardile.

These moves, coupled with the team's state-of-the-art factory and new wind tunnel, paint a picture of a team leaving no stone unturned in its quest for F1 supremacy.

The addition of Newey, with his unparalleled track record of over 200 race wins and multiple world championships, could be the final piece of the puzzle.

2026 and Beyond

The timing of Newey's move is particularly significant given F1's major regulation changes slated for 2026.

The terms of his Red Bull exit, negotiated by former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan, will allow Newey to start work with his new team in 2025, giving him crucial input into Aston Martin's 2026 challenger.

This early involvement could provide Aston Martin with a considerable advantage as the sport enters a new technical era.

Combined with the team's recently announced works partnership with Honda from 2026, Newey's expertise could catapult Aston Martin into genuine title contention.