Despite Adrian Newey expressing his interest in collaborating with Fernando Alonso in the past, their partnership has yet to materialize.
Formula 1 journalist and press conference host Tom Clarkson shared his “conspiracy theory” regarding the timing of Fernando Alonso’s contract announcement with the team, as they reportedly pursued Adrian Newey.
There were widespread reports during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March that Aston Martin had made an offer to Newey. However, team principal Mike Krack denied these reports at the time. Now that Newey has confirmed his departure from Red Bull, it is highly likely that he will have plenty of options if he decides to stay in Formula 1.
Aston Martin conspiracy theory shared in rumoured Adrian Newey pursuit
After the team’s announcement on Wednesday, Newey has decided to step back from Formula 1 design duties. Once he completes his work on the RB17 hypercar project, he will be leaving Red Bull in the first quarter of 2025.
Journalist Clarkson pondered whether the Silverstone-based team would swiftly secure Alonso’s services as a potential negotiation strategy in their rumored pursuit of Red Bull’s esteemed design expert, considering Aston Martin and Ferrari are also interested in the highly accomplished designer in the sport’s history.
Clarkson mentioned on the F1 Nation podcast that the upcoming contract is likely to be Newey’s final one, similar to Alonso’s experience at Aston Martin.
Ferrari is undeniably a great choice, but have you considered the potential collaboration between Aston Martin and Alonso?
There has been plenty of talk in the racing community about Lawrence Stroll making a substantial offer for him. If this deal goes through, he would be joining forces once again with Dan Fallows, who he previously collaborated with during their time at Red Bull for a significant period.
Is it likely that he will choose to stay in England, considering that it is still a factor for him?
Furthermore, it is important to mention that the facilities at Aston Martin’s campus in Silverstone are unparalleled. With these top-notch resources, he will have everything necessary to maintain his dominance in the sport.
PlanetF1.com recommends
Adrian Newey’s gardening leave explained: How F1 legend will spend his final days at Red Bull
The fall of the Red Bull empire? What Newey’s exit means for Horner and Verstappen
Natalie Pinkham, the co-host and presenter of Sky F1, responded by saying, “And as you mentioned, he also has the opportunity to collaborate with Fernando, whom we know he desires to work with alongside Lewis.”
In my opinion, I believe it would be a great match. When I asked Mike Krack if an offer had been extended to Adrian Newey, he denied it, but there was also a hint of laughter in his response.
I’m not sure, but it seems like he lacks a poker face.
Clarkson continued with a further response, stating, “I have a theory that revolves around a conspiracy.”
The announcement of Alonso’s decision came out of nowhere right after the Suzuka race. He mentioned, “Well, we discussed it and I made up my mind after Suzuka.” His performance in Japan was exceptional, just like every other race lately. Once he returned to Europe, he promptly declared, “I want to keep going, and Aston Martin is the only team for me.” This led to a frantic rush to make the announcement public.
“I remember that Thursday, we were given two hours’ notice on [an invitation to] join Fernando Alonso on a Zoom call this evening to discuss his new contract.
As I pondered, I couldn’t help but question the rush. What was the pressing urgency driving this insatiable desire to disseminate information at lightning speed?
I can’t help but wonder if they had heard about the tension between Adrian and the Red Bull team. Perhaps they decided to act quickly, offering Adrian a great deal to ensure he stays with them. They wanted to announce that their star driver is staying as soon as possible, hoping to persuade him even further and give him more motivation to perform.
At this point in the negotiation, each day holds significant value.
Pinkham stated that Lawrence Stroll’s ambition and determination to achieve excellence is such that he will only accept Adrian Newey as part of the team.
Adrian Newey is unparalleled in his relentless pursuit of excellence. He will go to any lengths, including managing the facility and re-signing Fernando, to achieve greatness.
Read next: Christian Horner’s first reaction as ‘true legend’ Adrian Newey announces split from Red Bull
