Lawrence Stroll was unexpectedly asked if he would sign Adrian Newey for the Dutch F1 Grand Prix.
The Aston Martin boss was embarrassed by Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle during his famous grid walk.
After asking Stroll about his team’s chances at Zandvoort, Brundle threw in a question about Newey.
Brundle asked: “When does Adrian Newey start working for you?”
Stroll replied: “I did not say that Adrian Newey would be racing with me.”
A smiling Brundle replied: “No you didn’t, no. That was cheeky!”
Newey’s future is one of the hottest topics in the F1 paddock.
The car design genius and current technical director of Red Bull will leave the team, which he joined in 2005, early next year.
Newey, 65, can join another F1 team at any time should he wish to continue his legendary career.
His arrival is important because Newey could influence his next employer’s 2026 car, potentially boosting its hopes for the next era of Formula 1 when engine rules change.
Aston Martin and Ferrari are the teams most likely to be linked with signing Newey.
McLaren, Newey’s former team, has withdrawn from the race.
The billionaire team owner Stroll has made his ambitions in F1 very clear.
The signing of two-time champion Fernando Alonso – and the reward of a new contract that keeps him at the top of the team – was a coup in itself.
Aston Martin is also opening a new headquarters in Silverstone.
In 2026 they will collaborate with Honda on a new engine.
Aston Martin already has Dan Fallows (Newey’s former colleague at Red Bull) and recently appointed Enrico Cardile from Ferrari to the technical department.
Team boss Mike Krack was also asked about Newey in Zandvoort.
Krack acknowledged that Aston Martin should “adapt” its structure to get the most out of a valued personality like Newey.
However, there is no confirmation yet as to where Newey will go.
