Aston Martin announced on Tuesday that it has signed master designer Adrian Newey. In the lead-up to the official presentation, much was said and written about the 65-year-old aerodynamics guru; after all, he is one of the most successful engineers in Formula 1. Lawrence Stroll will undoubtedly be rubbing his hands together when looking at Newey’s impressive resume.
Adrian Newey has been interested in car design since childhood. What starts with scale models from the box quickly turns into his own creations that he conceives and assembles in his father’s workshop. It’s no surprise that his studies lead him in this direction. He specializes in aerodynamics and after university, he starts working with the Fittipaldi Formula 1 team. In 1984, he switches to IndyCar, and not without success. His creations earn him the title in 1985 and 1986.
First Successes in Formula 1
His first Formula 1 design comes to life in 1988. The March performs commendably and Newey remains loyal to the team until the summer of 1990 when he is let go. March has since been renamed Leyton House and many consider this design to be one of the most beautiful ever in F1.
From Williams to McLaren: A Journey of Success and Challenges
The real success begins when he joins Williams. From 1991 to 1996, he and Technical Director Patrick Head are responsible for the team’s dominance. After five constructors’ titles and four world titles for the drivers, he leaves the team for a new challenge and joins McLaren.
Intense Competition for Newey
The harvest at McLaren is somewhat leaner in the period from 1997 to 2005. Only with Mika Häkkinen behind the wheel does the team win the constructors’ title once in the late ’90s, and the Finn takes home the world title twice. Ferrari, along with Michael Schumacher, is virtually unbeatable in the following period. Adrian Newey is no longer enjoying his time at McLaren and is doubting whether he wants to stay in the sport. That is until the new Red Bull team manages to persuade him and promises him a lot of freedom.
The Rise of Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel
It takes some time for the young Red Bull team to establish itself, but once it starts to perform, Sebastian Vettel begins to string together championship titles. Between 2010 and 2013, the team wins all the championships. Suddenly, Adrian Newey has eight more titles to his name. Is there anyone who can stop him?
The Arrival of Max Verstappen
The answer is yes! Mercedes emerges as the dominant force in the sport from 2014 onwards. For a long time, Red Bull has to concede to a rampant Lewis Hamilton. That is until a very young Max Verstappen takes his place in the cockpit and gives the team new wings. The success of recent years is well-known, with Red Bull adding five major trophies to their Milton Keynes trophy cabinet. Two world cups for the team and three for the Dutchman.
Adrian Newey’s Career Transition: From Red Bull to Aston Martin
Adrian Newey, with a total of twenty-five titles under his belt, has left his competitors far behind. However, earlier this year, his chapter at Red Bull came to an end. The designer was in search of a ‘new challenge’. This came in the form of a technical lead role at Aston Martin’s team. In September, Newey committed himself to the Silverstone team for several years. Will he be able to secure a title here as well? Only time will tell.
