In what could be the most pivotal moment of his career, Lawrence Stroll has successfully signed Adrian Newey, widely regarded as the greatest designer in Formula 1 history, to Aston Martin. This landmark deal has the potential to turn Aston Martin into championship contenders, solidifying their ambitions to reach the top of the sport.

Stroll proudly welcomed Newey onto the stage at Aston Martin’s newly built, state-of-the-art headquarters in Silverstone. The signing of Newey, who will join as Managing Technical Partner in March 2025, represents the latest in a series of high-profile technical appointments aimed at building a winning team. Newey is set to lead Aston Martin’s technical direction, which Stroll believes will be the key to their future success.

The Pursuit of Adrian Newey

While Stroll’s pursuit of Newey intensified in April, their relationship had been in the making for almost a decade. The two often crossed paths in gyms during race weekends, especially in the Middle East, fostering a connection long before business discussions took place. When Stroll learned that Newey would be leaving Red Bull, he wasted no time making his move, aware that several top teams, including Ferrari, Alpine, and Williams, would also be in the race to sign the design guru.

Stroll went all out to woo Newey, offering him exclusive access to Aston Martin’s cutting-edge factory ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. Newey was impressed by the world-class resources available, from the new wind tunnel to the high-tech simulator and training facilities. It was evident that Stroll was committed to transforming Aston Martin into a powerhouse.

The Game-Changer: Ownership

What ultimately sealed the deal was Stroll’s unique offer—an equity stake in Aston Martin, making Newey a shareholder and partner for the first time in his illustrious career. This opportunity to have “skin in the game” was something Newey craved, and the chance to take ownership of his work on such a scale was too enticing to pass up.

Once Ferrari’s interest waned, and after considering a late bid from Alpine, Newey and his wife Amanda decided to delay retirement and embark on a new adventure with Aston Martin.

Aston Martin’s Future with Adrian Newey

Newey will have full creative control, a talented team, and access to the best resources in the sport. Stroll is confident that Newey’s addition will propel Aston Martin to the front of the grid, echoing the designer’s success at Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, where he claimed 25 world championships. While Newey will focus entirely on Formula 1 for the foreseeable future, the team will benefit from his unparalleled expertise.

For Stroll, the cost of securing Newey is irrelevant. “Adrian is a bargain,” he said. “In my 40 years of business, I’ve never been more certain.”

Aston Martin is now poised to challenge for titles with Newey leading the technical charge, and the Formula 1 world is watching to see if this bold move can turn them into world champions.