F1 News

Peter Windsor believes Newey influenced by Cowell in Aston Martin decision

Newey to Aston Martin because of this man? Windsor speaks of a nightmare

19 August at 13:00

The Newey saga has been one of, if not the biggest story in the F1 world since the shocking announcement he would leave Red Bull at the Miami Grand Prix. The legendary F1 designer has won 13 drivers and 12 constructors' championships with Red Bull, McLaren and Williams. Former F1 team manager and journalist Peter Windsor has weighed in on the Newey speculation. He believes that one person has had a clear influence over his future. 

Newey's incredible record is something that any F1 team would want on their side. The 65-year-old is regarded as the greatest car designer in F1 history due to an illustrious career spanning multiple decades. Speculation regarding Newey's next destination has dominated the headlines for some time now. Will it be Ferrari, Mercedes or McLaren, or might he retire? These are just a few of the questions the whole F1 world has been asking, but it looks like none of these options will come to fruition.

After a long period of speculation where Newey was expected to join Ferrari, it now appears that the Brit is most likely to join Silverstone-based Aston Martin, owned by billionaire Lawrence Stroll. Many factors play a part in this possible decision of course, and many different ones have been reported. Former Williams team manager Windsor, however, believes that one key factor has attracted the Brit to Aston Martin.

Windsor: 'Cowell and Newey are the dream combination'

“Lawrence Stroll has done a very intelligent thing by hiring Andy Cowell. That has probably had a massive influence on Adrian's (Newey) decision as well I think because that’s everybody’s worst nightmare,” Windsor began on his YouTube channel.

Andy Cowell spearheaded the Mercedes engine programme throughout the turbo hybrid era, which became one of the most the most sucessful engines in F1 history. “Andy Cowell is behind the success of the Mercedes powertrain and it’s impossible to buy that experience and talent. It’s the dream combination.” Cowell joined Aston Martin recently in July as CEO. He will begin his duties at the ambitious Aston Martin on October 1 this year. If Newey does sign on, he will join Enrico Cardile, poached from Ferrari, in 2025. The Italian will become CTO at the incredibly optimistic Aston Martin who continue to strengthen their squad in the hope of serious F1 success.

Windsor 'Unsettled' by Newey's decision 

Windsor admits, however, that he doesn't feel like Newey is making the right choice by possibly moving to Aston Martin. "I feel very unsettled by the whole thing. The way it's run, the money thing, the whole deal with the Strolls. Get ready for Lance Stroll to win Grand Prix I suppose!" Windsor said. "Why would Adrian not prefer to go for McLaren than work for the Strolls?" He concluded. Could Newey's much-speculated decision to join Aston Martin come back to bite him? Time will tell...

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