Unraveling Newey’s Aston Martin’s big reveal

As far back as I can remember, I can’t remember a Formula 1 team ever holding such a big press conference to welcome a new technical director.

As I drove to Aston Martin’s brand new factory in Silverstone, my thoughts drifted to how Real Madrid usually welcomes its newest Galacticos with much fanfare. The player, usually a new world record signing, is usually unveiled on the pitch of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in front of the fans, dressed in full kit.

This announcement of Adrian Newey as Aston Martin’s new “Managing Technical Partner” had all the hallmarks of a similar showpiece. And I have to say I was a little disappointed that Newey wasn’t given a chance to perform a few keepy-uppies on the manicured lawn in front of the main reception.

Jokes aside, this was more than just a press conference. This was a live broadcast event, designed for maximum impact.

The media were ushered into position about 20 minutes before the 11am kick-off. We took our white pleated chairs either side of an aisle, with the front seats reserved for Aston family dignitaries. There was a distinct feeling that this was more like a wedding than a press conference.

On one side of the aisle sat the old team of Martin Whitmarsh, the outgoing CEO of Aston’s Performance and Technologies. His replacement Andy Cowell, who takes up the post next month, sat on the other, along with the team’s drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll and Newey’s wife, Amanda.

The turnout for the press conference included all the star names of Aston

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

There was no wedding car. Instead, the team’s majority owner and executive chairman, Lawrence Stroll, arrived by helicopter, parking on the aforementioned lawn. He was picked up by a white golf cart that whisked him into the building.

When he was called to the stage, he entered the room and gave a high five to one of the guests. Dressed in a navy and white pinstripe suit, he walked in to loud music and sat down on the chair on the stage, looking slightly uncomfortable, his suit jacket still buttoned up.

He spoke to confirm the news, interestingly calling Newey a shareholder before revealing his full title of technical partner. He added that Newey’s arrival was the “most exciting news in the history of Aston Martin and the most exciting in Formula 1”.

Newey was welcomed to the stage and the pair were asked where they first met to discuss the idea of ​​the 65-year-old joining from Red Bull. Interestingly, it transpired that they had tentatively broached the subject while working up a sweat in a hotel gym in the Middle East some three years ago.

There were a few polite laughs. Newey was asked if he would have an impact on the team’s 2025 F1 car. “I won’t know until I start!” he said with a chuckle, as his wife turned to Alonso and giggled.

As with any wedding, an attempt was made to avoid talking about ex-partners. Newey started by referring to Red Bull as “the other team”, before eventually naming them fully. Realizing his mistake, he quickly corrected himself by saying “but we’re not here to talk about Red Bull”.

What followed was a series of fine answers to questions about his move to Aston, with him saying the move was born out of a desire for a new challenge.

Newey will become Stroll’s final piece of the puzzle when he joins in 2025

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

There was some slight complaint about McLaren’s MTC factory, a building Newey hated working in. He said Aston Martin’s sprawling campus provided a “positive environment” before adding: “I’ve seen some new buildings that haven’t delivered on that.” Again, he was brief about mentioning McLaren’s name, as this was Aston Martin’s day.

For Stroll Sr, Newey’s arrival is the final piece of his F1 jigsaw. He has now assembled the most expensive technical department in the pit lane and provided them with the tools to make his dream of winning the world title come true.

Yes, the money is significant. Newey’s salary is estimated at $25m to $30m per year, but worth every penny if Newey fulfils his aspirations. Stroll even described his signing as a bargain.

He felt very pleased with his newest acquisition as they posed for photos together. The photographers who wanted to take the photo were calling it ‘wedding photos’ for the time being.

For us there was a sense that this partnership could be so powerful and successful. But this is just the beginning; you just wonder if it will remain a story of happily ever after.

Watch: Adrian Newey confirmed – Is Aston Martin set for Formula 1 success?