The F1 summer break, often referred to as F1 Summer Madness, is in full swing at the moment. This period typically involves unconfirmed rumours and, quite frankly, fabricated stories to fill what is otherwise a quiet time for F1 media publications. One of the most extreme rumours circulating on social media is that Adrian Newey has signed a $100M deal to join Aston Martin. While this isn’t a confirmed rumour, it is speculation originating from Italy’s largest motorsport publication, Autosprint.

The world’s poorest billionaire Lawrence Stroll has allegedly dug deep into his pockets to hire Newey. If these reports are accurate, Newey will have a substantial task ahead of him.

The current guise of Aston Martin F1, which began life as Jordan Grand Prix in 1991, has historically run in the midfield occasionally achieving performance gains and podium finishes before their development curve takes a mid-season downturn.

Newey’s rumoured $100M salary demand is said to be the reason Ferrari has apparently ended contract negotiations. Should Newey join Aston Martin, there is no doubt he could enhance performance, but the question remains whether he can bring consistency to the team.

Max Verstappen to Aston Martin?

Another rumour circulating online is that Max Verstappen might follow Adrian Newey to Aston Martin. Verstappen is reportedly unsettled at Red Bull, partly due to the ongoing Christian Horner Coco Pops controversy. Since Newey is effectively on gardening leave, it’s no coincidence that Red Bull’s performance has declined.

The speculation about Verstappen moving to Aston Martin should be taken with a grain of salt because Mercedes is said to be his next move should he decide to vacate his Red bull comfort blanket. However, in the unpredictable world of Formula One, Verstappen to Aston Martin can be entirely ruled out.