Master designer Adrian Newey has recently committed to Aston Martin ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The celebrated Englishman is set to officially start work in Silverstone next year. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, who also attempted to contract Newey, missed out on this opportunity. However, Wolff stated that he consciously chose not to bring the designer on board.
When asked if Adrian Newey was ever on Mercedes’ radar, Lewis Hamilton‘s team boss Toto Wolff responded, “Every team has considered it. James (Allison) and I discussed it, but we concluded that we have faith in our current team and want to continue with them. That being said, we have great respect for Newey.”
Wolff’s Hope for a Turnaround at Aston Martin
Toto Wolff hopes that Adrian Newey can bring about a turnaround at Aston Martin. The team boss always encourages a bit of extra competitiveness. “Newey’s CV speaks for itself,” says Wolff. “If you look at the statistics, he is the best designer in the history of Formula 1. In combination with Andy Cowell (former engine boss of Mercedes, now working at Aston Martin), they can put together a pretty impressive package.”
More Teams in the Top, the Better
“That’s only a good thing,” Wolff continued. “The more teams competing at the top, the better. I think there are currently four drivers vying for the title among the drivers, and McLaren has recently taken the lead in the constructors’ championship – isn’t that wonderful? Who would have thought that five months ago? If a team like Aston Martin, with such a big name, can be part of the leading group, that would be fantastic. One of the drivers associated with Aston Martin is Lance Stroll, who has been with the team for a number of seasons.”
