The world’s worst-kept secret has turned into the world’s worst nightmare for the Formula One grid, as the world’s poorest billionaire has signed the world’s greatest F1 engineer. Yes, Lawrence Stroll, the world’s poorest billionaire is now the proud employer of Adrian Newey, secured with a £30 million per year contract. Newey, the engineering mastermind behind multiple championship-winning teams, needs little introduction.

While Newey’s reputation is well-established, his desire to feel valued led him to Aston Martin, where he found exactly what he sought in a five-year contract. After nearly two decades at Red Bull, where he was the propellor and the shaft behind race-winning cars for Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, Newey has moved on.

Seizing on the turmoil at Red Bull, triggered in part by the internal trouble and strife caused by Christian Horner, Newey quietly orchestrated his escape. Like any escapee, he carefully planned his next move. Ferrari was an early contender, and many F1 pundits expected him to sign with them, while Aston Martin seemed an unlikely destination.

Months of speculation followed, with rumors igniting and fizzling out. But gradually, signs pointed to a lucrative deal with Aston Martin. The news was finally confirmed at an official press conference at Aston Martin’s F1 headquarters in Silverstone this week.

Fixing the Rollercoaster Form

While Newey’s engineering career is synonymous with consistent success, Aston Martin’s journey has been quite the opposite. The team, which rose from the ashes of Jordan Grand Prix, has experienced fleeting highs and long stretches of rollercoaster lows. That unpredictability has followed the team like the grim reaper and it continues today, even with the legendary Fernando Alonso at the wheel.

One of the greatest drivers in Formula One history can only do so much. Even the best drivers need top-tier machinery, and without the right engineering team, they often find themselves stranded in a no-man’s-land of mediocrity.

Half of Newey’s task is straightforward—designing and engineering a competitive car. The other half is far more challenging: inspiring his team. Newey himself is on record for being a tough taskmaster, but how will his new team respond? Will they rise to the occasion, or will they discover that even Newey, the genius, is as fallible as anyone else?

Invaluable

The size and remuneration of Newey’s contract have sparked much debate within the F1 media. But how can one place a value on a man widely regarded as the greatest F1 engineer of all time, especially when that talent exists within our lifetime?

Newey’s stature and reputation are priceless to sponsors and suppliers eager to elevate their marketing campaigns. The cost of his contract is minuscule compared to the return on investment brands will gain from the inevitable success he is poised to deliver.