Sources within the Formula 1 paddock at Monza are speculating that Aston Martin is just days away from announcing the signing of Adrian Newey, as the team continues its rapid development trajectory.
Since the highly-regarded F1 technical mastermind decided to leave Red Bull earlier this year, several rival teams have been competing to secure his expertise.
Helping Newey navigate through these offers has been his long-time friend and new representative, former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan.
Jordan revealed on his podcast, Formula For Success: "I understand that every single team in Formula 1 has spoken to us and indeed two teams that are not currently on the grid at the moment."
Ferrari reportedly came close to securing a deal with Newey, but negotiations stalled over his high demands and reluctance to relocate to Italy. Aston Martin, on the other hand, managed to impress him with a highly attractive offer.
"I think we are in the hunt with other teams," Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack mentioned at Monza. "I read last week there was another team coming into the game with Alpine, and this is all part of the rumour mill, but I would be really happy if he would come to us in the end."
Many in the paddock, including former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos, believe that Red Bull's current slump in performance could be linked to Newey's departure.
Max Verstappen, however, downplayed this theory. "No, it happened too quickly as soon as he left," the triple world champion countered.
Still, even Red Bull's Dr. Helmut Marko acknowledges that Newey's absence could be impacting the team now. "Newey is no longer involved in the (development) process," he told Sky Deutschland.
"His knowledge and experience would certainly have been useful in this situation," Marko conceded.
Doornbos agreed, telling Ziggo Sport, "They (Red Bull) are missing him already. There has not been a team he's been in where Newey has not performed miracles. And he will perform miracles at Aston Martin as well."
Fernando Alonso, reflecting on Aston Martin's current performance issues since 2023, believes the team is in need of a fresh boost to halt their steady decline.
"I would rather have an updated floor or rear wing than a brain at the moment," he joked to Spanish reporters at Monza, prompting laughter.
"The team is working very hard to bring new parts to the next races, but we are still waiting for that big improvement that will bring us closer to the top teams.
"We have to improve, we know it, we are working on it, but yes, I think the level at the moment is below the minimum necessary for us."
When questioned about the escalating rumours surrounding Newey, the two-time champion remained coy.
"For me, it is already a privilege that Aston Martin and Adrian Newey are linked," Alonso stated. "That combination, just reading about it, is already a privilege. And I feel honoured to be part of Aston Martin."
"If one day it happens, I will be happy, but I cannot dream or continue thinking about things that are not in the present."
