Well, it’s official: Adrian Newey has signed with Aston Martin, and it’s fair to say that champagne corks are already popping in Silverstone. Shall we just hand them both the 2026 F1 titles now?

Adrian Newey—arguably the most valuable name in Formula 1’s technical sphere—has inked a deal with Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, to use its grandiose full name. This morning, the worst-kept secret in motorsport was finally confirmed: Newey will step in as Managing Technical Partner, officially starting on March 1, 2025, under a five-year contract.

It’s a coup that underscores Lawrence Stroll’s clout, charisma, and sheer financial muscle. The Canadian billionaire and Aston Martin team owner has made no bones about his ambition to clinch the F1 World Championship, and with Newey on board, that lofty dream suddenly feels a lot more grounded in reality.

While the specifics of Newey’s deal weren’t aired during the announcement, it’s widely believed that the veteran technical wizard will be among the highest-paid in the paddock, trailing only the likes of Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris. Rumors suggesting a package worth £30 million plus bonuses have been waved off by insiders who describe the deal as “complex” in structure. But let’s not kid ourselves—Newey’s not doing this for the small change.

Crucially, he’s not just turning up for a salary. Newey will also hold shares in the team, wielding genuine influence over its direction and future strategy.

“Adrian is, without question, the greatest in the business,” Stroll declared. “No one has won as many world championships. He’s a gentleman, a winner, and fiercely competitive. His passion for success aligns perfectly with what we’re building at Aston Martin. There’s no team better positioned for the future, and having Adrian with us only strengthens that belief.”

It wasn’t just the pay packet that lured Newey; it was also the Aston Martin setup. A visit to their sprawling, state-of-the-art HQ opposite Silverstone convinced him that this was the right move. Negotiations had simmered for three years but boiled over following a nudge during the Japanese Grand Prix in April, where Newey’s instinct told him it was time for a fresh challenge.

Part of the draw? The old-school vibe of having a hands-on team owner in Lawrence Stroll, reminiscent of the days when team principals were the ones signing the cheques. “Lawrence’s passion and commitment are infectious,” Newey remarked. “He’s the only active team owner in F1 right now, and it creates a unique atmosphere that you just don’t get elsewhere.”

And then there’s the infrastructure. Newey is a no-nonsense character, driven by gut feeling and a keen sense of when things align. Aston Martin has built something genuinely impressive, with its cutting-edge wind tunnel set to open next year—F1’s first all-new facility of its kind in two decades.

“The resources here are simply incredible,” Newey said of Aston’s HQ. “Building a brand-new factory on a greenfield site is no small feat, and they’ve nailed it. It’s warm, creative, and exactly the kind of environment where innovation thrives. I’ve seen flashy new builds that don’t quite hit the mark, but this one does.”

Newey is already relishing the challenge, stating that Aston Martin’s setup has everything necessary to contend for the world championship. With the sport’s new regulations hitting in 2026, he sees an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to disrupt the established order. “The new rules level the playing field. Whether we can fully capitalise on that remains to be seen, but I’ve never been one to dwell on uncertainties. You just get on with it.”

He’ll be leading a formidable technical team featuring heavyweights like ex-Mercedes engine guru Andy Cowell, former Red Bull aerodynamic ace Dan Fallows, and Ferrari’s ex-chassis chief Enrico Cardile. It’s a dream team by any measure, perfectly poised for F1’s next big shake-up in 2026.

Now that Newey’s on board, let’s start the speculation on who might get the keys to the driver’s seat… because the battle for the cockpit is just about to heat up.