"He was more of an inspiration": Fernando Alonso credits Adrian Newey for raising the bar in F1 as the engineer joins Aston Martin

Two-time world champion and Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has dubbed Adrian Newey 'an inspiration' for raising the bar in F1. The British team announced the arrival of the aero wizard on Tuesday, September 10, in their new factory in Silverstone.

The announcement confirmed the reports of the iconic engineer choosing the British team over an opportunity to work with Ferrari. During the official press conference in the factory, Alonso said he was looking forward to working with Newey on the same team, as the pair have been rivals for more than two decades in the sport.

The Spanish driver spoke about Adrian Newey's influence on the sport, claiming that his cars helped the drivers improve. Fernando Alonso said:

“I would say he was an inspiration. I think, thanks to Adrian and his talent and cars, we all got better as drivers, as engineers, as teams. We all had to raise the bar thanks to him, to be able to compete. I think [it’s] an incredible day for the team."

"Lawrence’s vision is taking shape with this [new] building, with Adrian, with [future engine partner] Honda, with [strategic fuel partner] Aramco, with a new wind tunnel… Definitely the team of the future, I would say," he added.

The 43-year-old also spoke about the opportunity to race in Adrian Newey-designed cars for the first time in his career.

“For me, it’s going to be an incredible opportunity, professionally, to work with Adrian and to keep wearing this green color, which I’m very proud to be part of," Alonso said.

Adrian Newey gives his take on working with Fernando Alonso

Adrian Newey said he was excited to finally work with 'arch enemy' Fernando Alonso.

Speaking to the media, the former Red Bull CTO spoke about the missed chance of working with the two-time world champion previously. Newy said (via RaceFans):

“Fernando, of course, we’ve battled against each other for so many years. He’s been a bit of a kind of 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 great shame, so we continue to battle against each other. He’s a legend of the sport. So I’m very much looking forward to working with him.” he added.

Adrian Newey will join the Aston Martin F1 team as the Managing Technical Partner on March 1, 2025. It is being reported that the 65-year-old would be paid around £30 million, including bonuses, and will be on a five-year contract with the British team.