Adrian Newey Joins Aston Martin with £30m Salary Deal

Red Bull's win at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March brought smiles, but tensions have been rising between team principal Christian Horner and Adrian Newey.

Adrian Newey is set to join Aston Martin with a salary that could reach £30m including bonuses surpassing most F1 drivers’ earnings except Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. Despite the hefty price tag, many believe Newey is worth it. Known as the greatest car designer in F1 history, he boasts 13 drivers’ championships and 12 constructors’ titles since his career took off in 1988.

Newey’s talent goes beyond statistics; he’s a visionary whose insights into aerodynamics have shaped F1 designs. Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll views Newey as crucial for transforming the team into title contenders, bolstering an already significant investment in facilities and staff. Adrian Newey’s foresight in airflow dynamics has driven industry trends, especially with the 2022 introduction of venturi underfloors.

His integration of these concepts into car design has set new standards in F1. His recent departure from Red Bull coinciding with the team’s performance dip, underscores his unique impact. At Red Bull, Newey had scaled back his F1 involvement but his influence remained significant despite internal tensions about credit and team leadership.

Now, at Aston Martin, Adrian Newey will be part of a new chapter featuring a brand-new facility, a partnership with Honda for 2026 and a chance to work with Fernando Alonso. Newey’s decision to continue working at 65 reflects his passion and dedication to F1 defying expectations of retirement.

His expertise promises to bring remarkable changes to Aston Martin continuing his legacy of designing competitive cars.