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Adrian Newey’s move this summer has been an interesting story, especially since many didn’t expect the 65-year-old to continue his F1 career in this manner. Predictions suggested that the seasoned engineer might take a career break and focus on other interests. However, Newey was ready for a new challenge, particularly after hearing Lawrence Stroll’s vision for Aston Martin.
In an interview with the BBC, Newey reflected on his arrival at the team, noting that he still isn't entirely sure what value he will bring to Aston Martin. He admitted that he could have ended his F1 career and pursued other interests, but his passion for the sport is what ultimately kept him engaged.
"Better ask Lawrence…
I don’t know. I’m just me. I am in a very fortunate position where I don’t need to work now.
I could retire and have a comfortable lifestyle very easily. But I still love the job that I’m doing.”- he said, as quoted by Crash.
For Newey, joining Aston Martin wasn’t an obvious choice. After deciding to leave Red Bull in late April, he wasn’t sure what to do next. He considered retiring and sailing around the world, trying something completely different, or staying in F1. Adrian Newey became weary of the fast pace and the fact that he had been with Red Bull for so long. After achieving massive success, it’s natural for motivation to wane, making it hard to stay driven under those conditions. Newey wanted a new challenge; a team where he would be motivated and eager to make a real impact.
Aston Martin has not been particularly great in recent years, but Newey’s arrival could bring significant changes and improvements in the near future.
Newey and his wife, Mandy, decided to take some time to think things over before making any decisions. By June, Newey realized that designing race cars had been his passion since he was a kid, and he was still excited by the challenge of making cars go faster. This passion and love for the job were what ultimately drove him to continue in F1.
The 65-year-old engineer recently spoke about losing motivation, stating how difficult it can be to stay driven when you’re consistently achieving great results or when things aren't going your way. Newey admitted that Red Bull's dominance was part of the reason he struggled to find motivation for success. He was enthusiastic for a new challenge and ready to take on significant tasks.
“It’s easy to become a bit stale,” he said.
“I had a little bit of that in 2005 with McLaren. I was getting stale and needed a new challenge.
I started to feel a bit of that through the second half of last year, and into this year.
My reasons for stopping at Red Bull were multiple. But certainly, that was one of them.”
Newey was clearly delighted when describing his arrival at Aston Martin’s headquarters for his unveiling. He described the warm reception he received from the employees as a memorable moment that felt almost surreal.
He noted that this kind of reception is not something he usually focuses on, as his main passion is improving car performance. Newey also mentioned that he tries to stay detached from external media influences.
The 65-year-old engineer is thrilled that the team’s leaders recognized his desire and drive for success. The team’s principal, Lawrence Stroll, is well aware of what Newey can bring to the team as an individual. Stroll needs people like Newey, who can make such an impact.
Aston Martin has great ambitions and hopes to open a new chapter in F1 with Newey on board, aiming to achieve remarkable success.
Lawrence Stroll reacts
Lawrence Stroll called it a significant day for his team, describing it as the most exciting in their history. He is well aware of Adrian Newey’s accomplishments with Red Bull, which is one of the reasons he was so eager to bring such an experienced figure into his team.
Stroll highlighted that 2026 could represent a turning point in F1, especially for Aston Martin. With changes in regulations, the arrival of new people, and other factors, there is a lot of optimism among Aston Martin fans. The 2026 season is expected to bring major changes to the F1 scene, with many teams emerging as strong contenders for the top positions.
"Yeah, it's a huge day. There's already a lot said, but I think it's really the most exciting day in this team's history. Adrian's won more championships than anyone in the paddock and now he's wearing green," said Stroll.
So it's an extremely exciting day. 2026 is not far away. A completely new set of regulations, a lot of opportunity, and we're really constructing an incredible team with so many talented people that are already here. Now Adrian's coming on board, so really exciting," Stroll concluded.
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