Formula 1: Show at Aston Martin

With Adrian Newey as their new mastermind, Aston Martin has, in the opinion of many experts, pulled off a great transfer in Formula 1. However, an old acquaintance of Newey's criticized his departure from his current employer Red Bull.

“To see Adrian there with Aston Martin, doing the press conference, walking around the factory when he's still under contract with Red Bull and working on the RB17, the road car, which looks extraordinary; it feels a bit like a middle finger to the family he's now leaving,” said David Coulthard in the “Formula for Success” podcast, criticising Newey's celebrated presentation at Aston Martin.

During his career, Coulthard drove several cars designed by Newey, at Williams (1994/95), McLaren (1998–2004) and Red Bull (2006–2008).

“Adrian is a friend. If you talk about a friend in public, she doesn't like it, but that's my truth,” said the Scot. You can't commit 100 percent to two things, “DC” alluded to the fact that Newey will still be working for Red Bull until the beginning of 2025, but has certainly been busy with the Aston Martin project for a long time.

It was extremely difficult for him when he made the switch from Williams to McLaren during the 1995 season, “DC” recalled his own path in Formula 1. For example, Mercedes engine boss Mario Ilien asked him about the Renault engine used by Williams. “I have to admit that I felt really unprofessional,” said Coulthard.

Formula 1: Horner also doesn’t like Newey’s departure

Newey's public enthronement as the top technical boss and shareholder at Aston Martin also upset Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. The Briton described the racing team's and the aerodynamics genius's behavior as “a little premature.” Horner also alluded to Newey's work for Red Bull.

At the Bulls, Newey continues to work on the RB17 hypercar, but he has had nothing to do with the Formula 1 project since May.