Krack sets the record straight on Aston’s 'massive bid' for Newey

40

Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has squashed a recent report claiming that the Silverstone-based outfit had made a massive offer to Red Bull’s start designer Adrian Newey.

According to a report from Motorsport.com published last week, Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll had tabled a big money offer to Newey at last month’s Saudi Arabian GP in Jeddah.

The prospect of F1’s most legendary designer joining Aston was perceived as the final element of Stroll’s ambitious plan to propel his team to the top of F1’s hierarchy.

But securing Newey's genius was also seen as a potential bargaining chip in convincing two-time world champion Fernando Alonso to extend his contract with Aston Martin, or even as a lure to attract Max Verstappen should the Dutchman opt for a change of scenery

On Friday at Suzuka however, Krack swiftly shut down the rumors when asked if Aston had made a big money offer for Newey’s highly rated expertise.

Read also: Red Bull’s Wache reveals Verstappen’s ‘insane advantage’

The Luxemburger’s response was clear and concise: “No!”.

“We have a very strong technical team with Dan [Fallows, technical director], with Tom [McCollough, performance director], with Luca [Furbatto, engineering director].

“We’ve been joined lately by Bob Bell. So we are quite happy with what we have at the moment.”

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Red Bull’s Helmut Marko noted that Newey was “highly demanded”, and that any offer submitted by Aston Martin would likely not be the last.

“Newey is a designer that is highly demanded,” said the Austrian. “He is the one that everybody wants to have. I don't think it was the first offer and I don't think it will be the last offer that he got…

"To lose Newey is always a big disadvantage, because then it means that another team would get him. In such a case he would take knowledge, but also unbelievable experience with him.

"He is like a cult figure so it's very important for young engineers as well. They come into the team because they want to work with Newey. Overall, it's a big gain to have Adrian."

Newey's future in Formula 1 has been a topic of speculation for years, and the of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for 2025 revived the prospect of the tech guru finally being lured away to join the Scuderia.

However, despite the whispers and according to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, Newey reportedly remains "as motivated as ever" to contribute to the team's championship fight.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.