Horner criticises ‘premature’ Aston Martin Newey announcement

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has criticised Aston Martin for what he claims was a ‘premature’ fanfare announcement of Adrian Newey.

It was revealed in early May that Newey would be leaving his role as Red Bull’s chief technical officer in the first quarter of 2025 following 19 seasons with the team, sparking a raft of speculation over his future.

After a five-month wait, Aston Martin unveiled the 65-year-old by staging a press conference at the team’s state-of-the-art Silverstone headquarters, confirming he would start work on March 1. Over the next six months, however, Newey remains under contract with Red Bull.

Asked about Aston Martin’s presentation of Newey, Horner, speaking to media, including RacingNews365, said: “It was obviously a large announcement by Aston. Adrian has always tended to do his own thing.

“It was a big moment for that team, and they chose to celebrate it, perhaps potentially slightly prematurely before he’s finished his contract with Red Bull Racing.”

Newey ‘not your average designer’ – Horner

Newey has served Red Bull well over time, helping the team win seven drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships, with the possibility he will add to those numbers this year, despite his reduced role with the team.

It now remains to be seen how quickly he will have an impact on Aston Martin, particularly as owner Lawrence Stroll has spent vast sums of money on resources and personnel trying to turn the team into race winners and championship contenders.

“Adrian is obviously a very creative guy and not your average designer,” stated Horner. “I think he’s the only person still in Formula 1 working on a drawing board.

“So inevitably there will be a process of having to get to know each other, how each other works, and so on.

“Yeah, he’s unique in many respects, and I think Aston will obviously look to draw upon his huge experience.”