Alonso's Reaction To Aston Martin's Adrian Newey Contract Announcement

Wednesday, 11 September 2024 at 18:00

Fernando Alonso attended Aston Martin's press conference, during which Adrian Newey's signing was announced, and he shared his thoughts.

On Tuesday, September 10th, 2024, Aston Martin officially announced that Adrian Newey will join their team as Managing Technical Director and shareholder.

The legendary car designer had very lucrative offers from multiple teams, but in the end, he decided to sign with Aston Martin mainly because of the team owner, Lawrence Stroll, and the chance of becoming a shareholder and partner.

Fernando Alonso, who previously said he hoped to have a chance to work with Adrian Newey, attended the press conference on the day of the announcement and shared his thoughts:

"We've been racing against each other for many years. I would say that it was more an inspiration. Thanks to Adrian, his talent and his cars, I think we all got better."

"That's as a driver, as engineers, as teams, we all had to raise the bar thanks to him to be able to compete."

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Ever since taking over the team, the owner, Lawrence Stroll, has been making all the right moves to ensure that Aston Martin competes for the title in the near future. The double World Champion can also see everything coming together nicely.

"It's an incredible day for the team. Lawrence's vision is taking shape with this building, with Adrian, with Honda, with Aramco, the new wind tunnel. It's definitely the team of the future, I would say."

"It's going to be an incredible professional opportunity to work with Adrian and to keep wearing this green colour, which I'm very proud to be part of."

Fernando Alonso speaking to the media with Adrian Newey beside him at an Aston Martin press conference, partner logos in the background.

Fernando Alonso and Adrian Newey during a press conference at Silverstone

What did Newey say about Alonso?

Adrian Newey mentioned in 2023 that his dream was to work with Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. Back then, he thought he would never have the chance.

However, the way things developed means he will be working with the Spanish Matador for at least two years—2025 and 2026. The 65-year-old said about Alonso:

"We've battled against each other for so many years. He's been a bit of an arch-enemy at times. We came so close to him joining Red Bull in 2008 for the 2009 season, but unfortunately, it didn't quite happen, which is a shame."