Jordan 'Not Prepared' to Discuss Newey's Future

Adrian Newey's manager, Eddie Jordan, has declined to comment on reports suggesting that the renowned Formula 1 designer will join Aston Martin next year. Jordan, who orchestrated an early exit from Newey's contract with Red Bull as chief technical officer in April, told BBC Sport: "I am not prepared to answer - I will not be forthcoming in any shape or form."

Aston Martin has scheduled a press conference for 10 September, where Newey's potential recruitment is expected to be announced. Team owner Lawrence Stroll remarked in an interview with Bloomberg on Tuesday: "Adrian and I have been talking not only for months but actually for years. Adrian is clearly the most talented and gifted individual in F1 based on his track record and history. So I'd be very excited for Adrian to join our team, as I think every other F1 team on the grid would feel exactly the same." When asked if Newey would join Aston Martin, Stroll replied: "I certainly hope so."

An Aston Martin spokesperson commented: "Adrian has been linked to many teams and would be an asset to any team, but we don't have anything to announce."

Newey, aged 65, is considered the greatest F1 designer in history, having contributed to 12 drivers' championships and 13 constructors' titles for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull since 1991. Aston Martin recently moved into a new factory, and a new wind tunnel at their Silverstone site is set to become operational. Newey was given a private tour of the site during the summer.

The team has been actively recruiting to enhance their competitiveness. In July, Aston Martin announced that former Mercedes engine chief Andy Cowell would join as their new CEO in October, succeeding Martin Whitmarsh, who has been serving in the role since 2021. Additionally, Aston Martin has appointed former Ferrari chassis technical director Enrico Cardile as chief technical officer. Dan Fallows, Aston Martin's technical director since April 2022, previously worked with Newey at Red Bull, where he was head of aerodynamics.

Starting in 2026, Aston Martin will enter a new partnership with engine manufacturer Honda, which has been supplying engines to Red Bull since 2019. The team is currently fifth in the constructors' championship. After a strong start to the 2023 season with Fernando Alonso securing multiple podiums, the team has struggled in the past year, facing difficulties in qualifying and finishing in the top 10.

Jordan negotiated an early exit for Newey from his Red Bull contract, enabling him to join another team from March next year. Newey has explored discussions with Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine, and Williams, with Aston Martin emerging as the likely destination. Talks with Ferrari quickly ended, and McLaren withdrew from negotiations during the summer. Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore made a late bid, but sources suggest Aston Martin remains Newey's main option.

Newey's departure from Red Bull followed allegations of sexual harassment and controlling behavior made against team principal Christian Horner by a female employee. Horner has denied the allegations, and two internal Red Bull inquiries dismissed the complaint. Additionally, Newey grew frustrated with internal tensions at Red Bull regarding credit for their recent dominance in the sport.

Newey's contract, set to expire at the end of 2025, initially barred him from joining another team until 2027. However, Jordan and Newey secured an agreement allowing him to contribute to a team's design for the new regulations taking effect in 2026. Joining Aston Martin would give Newey the opportunity to collaborate with Fernando Alonso, a driver he expressed a desire to work with in a November interview with BBC Sport. Alonso, 43, has signed a new contract with Aston Martin that extends through at least the end of 2026.