F1 FACTS: Newey' Why I rejected Ferrari' Hamilton deal for old....

Newey explains why he opted for ‘old school’ Aston Martin, rather than joining Hamilton in 2025 move to Ferrari

Adrian Newey, the legendary Formula 1 designer, has shed light on his decision to join Aston Martin in 2025, despite being linked with a potential move to Ferrari. His decision comes after announcing in May 2024 that he would be leaving Red Bull by the first quarter of next year. Speculation had quickly mounted regarding his next career move, with Ferrari frequently mentioned as a possible destination. The prospect of Newey teaming up with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2025 garnered significant attention, especially after Hamilton expressed interest in working alongside the iconic engineer, describing it as a “privilege.”

However, as time passed, the rumors connecting Newey to Ferrari began to fade, and Aston Martin emerged as his next venture. During a press conference confirming his future role with Lawrence Stroll’s team as Managing Technical Partner, Newey explained why he ultimately chose Aston Martin over Ferrari. When asked how seriously he had considered joining Ferrari and partnering with Hamilton, Newey admitted that while he had discussions with various teams, Aston Martin’s offer was the most compelling for a variety of reasons.

“I was very flattered by the number of teams that approached me,” Newey said. “I had discussions with some of those teams, not all of them. In the end, it became a very clear and natural choice, for all the reasons I stated earlier in the conference.” He elaborated that the primary reason for choosing Aston Martin was his desire for a new challenge after spending significant time considering his options.

Reflecting on the decision, Newey revealed that around late April 2024, he felt the need to take a new direction. “I spent a lot of time with my wife Mandy, discussing what’s next. Do we go off and sail around the world? Do I do something different?” the 65-year-old designer shared. After much reflection, Newey realized he needed to find a new challenge to keep himself engaged. Although he had accomplished his childhood dream of becoming a designer in motor racing, Newey recognized that he wanted to continue evolving.

His talks with Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin’s owner, played a crucial role in his decision. Newey and Stroll have known each other for years and often bumped into one another at races. Stroll’s passion for the sport and his hands-on approach as an active team owner reminded Newey of the old-school style of Formula 1, where owners like Frank Williams, Ron Dennis, and Eddie Jordan were deeply involved in running their teams.

Newey expressed admiration for this “old-school” model of team ownership, where the owner’s personal commitment drives the team’s progress. “In this modern era, Lawrence is actually unique in being the only properly active team owner,” Newey remarked. He noted that the opportunity to become a shareholder and a partner in Aston Martin was another factor that swayed his decision. This was an offer he hadn’t previously encountered in his illustrious career.

Newey emphasized that while other teams also made offers, Stroll’s vision for Aston Martin and his personal involvement made it a natural choice. “Lawrence’s passion, commitment, and enthusiasm were very endearing, very persuasive,” he added. In contrast, Ferrari’s initial interest waned over time, and Newey felt Aston Martin’s challenge aligned more with what he was seeking at this stage in his career.

The switch marks a significant move for Newey, who has enjoyed tremendous success with Red Bull, helping the team win multiple championships. His decision to join Aston Martin adds to the growing momentum around the team, which has been making steady progress under Stroll’s leadership. Newey will begin his new role at Aston Martin on March 1, 2025, and will be tasked with helping the team continue its upward trajectory in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.

In summary, Newey’s decision to join Aston Martin over Ferrari was driven by a desire for a fresh challenge, Stroll’s unique role as an active team owner, and the opportunity to be more deeply involved in the team’s future as a partner.