Has Newey made the right call in joining Aston Martin? Our F1 writers have their say

Adrian Newey’s move to Aston Martin has been officially announced after months of speculation.

The switch brings an end to the rumours surrounding the future of the technical guru who has earned more titles through his designs than any driver has won on track.

But is this the right move? Our F1 writers take a look.

Mark Mann-Bryans – Masterful Newey earned the right to decide on his next move

In all the bluster surrounding Newey’s departure from Red Bull and subsequent appointment as the man to take Aston Martin to the next level, one thing has been constant – the praise for the job he has done at all his previous teams.

Now, at an age when most would be considering retirement, Newey has forgone beach-side strolls to work with the Strolls. It has drawn criticism, even derision, from some quarters. But surely this is a man who has earned the right to make whatever decision he deems fit at this stage?

It will be one final payday, and there is no beating around the bush that it is an eye-watering salary with other incentives besides, but – as above – his previous work has determined the market value to land a man you believe can change your fortunes.

There is also far less pressure going to a team like Aston Martin than if Newey had decided to make the move to Ferrari, the biggest and best-known squad in Formula 1 that is without a constructors’ title in 2008 and where the expectation that a dream alliance of Newey and Lewis Hamilton would set about ushering in a new era of dominance for the Prancing Horse.

Whether he can deliver once again or provides little return on the heavy investment in his ability, only time will tell, and all eyes will be on the 2026 Aston Martin challenger when it first hits the track – but Newey’s record means he was well within his rights to take what he deemed was the best role for him at this stage of his illustrious career.

Jake Boxall-Legge – Neither Newey nor Aston have anything to lose

Adrian Newey considered “sailing around the world” as one of his options in a post-Red Bull career, but the challenge of taking Aston Martin truly into the big time was appealing enough to stick around in F1. He’s won everything that one can win, and worked with many of the championship’s leading lights during his time at the drawing…