Aston Martin jumped the gun on Newey announcement, says Red Bull's Horner

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has expressed his opinion that Aston Martin's high-profile unveiling of Adrian Newey was "premature," given that Newey is still under contract with the Milton Keynes-based team. The announcement of Newey's departure from Red Bull had sparked widespread speculation about his next move, but he ultimately signed a deal with Aston Martin to become their new technical managing partner and shareholder, reportedly for a staggering £30 million per year.

The Timing of Aston Martin's Announcement

Aston Martin held a press conference at their new Silverstone base on Tuesday to welcome Newey with much fanfare. However, Horner pointed out that Newey will not officially begin his new role until March 1, suggesting that the timing of the announcement was slightly off. He acknowledged that it was a significant moment for Aston Martin but hinted that they may have jumped the gun in celebrating before Newey's contract with Red Bull had concluded.

Horner's Perspective on Newey's Move

Despite the premature nature of the announcement, Horner admitted that Newey's move to Aston Martin did not come as a great surprise. He recognized that it was becoming increasingly clear that this was the path Newey would choose, rather than retirement or joining another team. Horner emphasized that Newey's vast experience would be a valuable asset for Aston Martin as they aim to climb the ranks in Formula 1.

The Unique Nature of Adrian Newey

Horner highlighted Newey's exceptional qualities, describing him as a highly creative individual who stands out from typical designers. He noted that Newey is possibly the only person in Formula 1 still working with a drawing board, underscoring his unique approach to design. Horner acknowledged that there would be a period of adjustment as Newey and Aston Martin learn to work together effectively.

Reflecting on Two Decades of Collaboration

As Newey prepares to embark on his new journey with Aston Martin, Horner took a moment to reflect on their nearly 20-year partnership at Red Bull. He expressed fondness for the time they spent together, acknowledging both the highs and lows they experienced. Looking ahead, Horner remains optimistic about Red Bull's future, stating that the team is well-positioned to face the challenges that lie ahead in Formula 1.