Jordan confirms Newey’s gardening leave and Aston start date

40

Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has confirmed that Adrian Newey has entered a period of gardening leave from Red Bull Racing that will end in the first quarter of 2025.

After over 15 years of groundbreaking success with Red Bull, Newey will begin his new tenure at Aston Martin on March 1, 2025, marking the end of an era and the beginning of what many expect to be an exciting new chapter for both Newey and the Silverstone-based team.

Jordan, who played a pivotal role in negotiating Newey’s departure from Milton Keynes, spoke with pride about how the deal was handled, revealing the meticulous attention to detail that ensured all parties adhered to the agreed timeline for the announcement.

“You did not hear a peep from me until the 6th of September, and that was the date given by Red Bull as to when we could or couldn't say anything,” Jordan explained, speaking on the Formula For Success podcast alongside co-host David Coulthard.

“I have nothing but admiration for Adrian because he never said a peep until the date that we were allowed by Red Bull to make any comment.

Jordan confirms Newey’s gardening leave and Aston start date

“Adrian is not there. He's on gardening leave. He has a date in his contract, which was stipulated by me and Red Bull, of the 6th of September. That was adhered to in every single way.

“I can promise you that I don't know anybody who breached that. So the best of care was made to respect that, and Adrian was fastidious about this.”

The negotiation of Newey’s exit from Red Bull is something Jordan considers one of his finest achievements in his long career in F1.

His tone on the podcast reflected a deep sense of personal and professional satisfaction.

“My belief is that, and I must say this beyond any doubt - I wasn't maybe going to say this - but I would say that the arranging of the Adrian Newey release from Red Bull was, for me, probably one of the greatest professional cool things that I've ever done,” he said.

“It is possibly the finest thing that I've ever done. And the reason I say that is because it was arranged and coordinated in such an elegant way that I feel very proud about.

“I feel very proud about Red Bull. I feel very proud about myself and my actions there, and I feel incredibly proud about Adrian and how he managed that situation.”

Newey’s move to Aston Martin comes at a crucial time for the team. Lawrence Stroll has injected significant resources to transform the squad into a race-winning outfit and a genuine contender for the world championship.

As the countdown begins to March 2025, the Formula 1 world will be watching closely next year to see how Newey’s departure impacts Red Bull and what innovations Newey will bring to Aston Martin.

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.