Aston Martin is on the verge of announcing the hiring of legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey according to multiple reports, a move that would signal a new era for the ambitious Silverstone-based outfit.
Following months of intense speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations, final confirmation of Newey's arrival is expected to be made public before next week’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Newey, who announced last June that he would be leaving Red Bull, has been one of the most sought-after figures in the sport.
While Ferrari initially appeared to be the frontrunner in the race to secure his services, Aston Martin quickly emerged as the leading contender.
This shift in momentum was fueled by a combination of personal outreach from Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll and a discreet visit by Newey to the team's all-new Silverstone base earlier this summer, where he was reportedly impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and the team's vision for the future.
Stroll, who has made substantial investments in upgrading Aston Martin's infrastructure, including the imminent completion of a new wind tunnel, has been vocal about his admiration for Newey.
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Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg in Venice this week, Stroll expressed his eagerness to bring Newey onboard.
"I certainly hope so," the Canadian billionaire said when asked if Newey would join Aston Martin. "Adrian and I have been talking not only for months but actually for years.
“Adrian is clearly the most talented and gifted individual in Formula 1 based on his track record and history."
"So I'd be very excited for Adrian to join our team, as I think every other Formula 1 team on the grid would feel exactly the same."
When Stroll was asked if he would pull out all the stops to sign Newey, he added: "You can definitely assume that."
While a deal between Aston and Newey – rumored to be worth a cool $25 million a year – has likely already been signed and sealed, an official announcement would set a timeline that aligns with a clause in Newey's exit terms from Red Bull, which dictated when his future plans could be disclosed.
Reports have suggested that the agreed-upon date for this revelation would also trigger a six-month waiting period before Newey can officially commence his duties with Aston Martin.
The imminent arrival of Newey comes as part of a broader recruitment strategy by Aston Martin to attract top-tier engineering talent.
Before the summer break, the team announced that former Mercedes engine boss Andy Cowell would take over as Group CEO in October, succeeding Martin Whitmarsh.
Additionally, the squad has bolstered its technical expertise by bringing in former Ferrari chassis technical director Enrico Cardile.
With Newey joining a team already enriched by such high-profile hires, Aston Martin is clearly signaling its intent to challenge the established order in Formula 1 with the help of one of the most influential technical minds in motorsport history.
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