Aston Martin technical director leaves in major shake-up – with Adrian Newey handed total power on arrival from Red Bull in £20m-a-year deal

Dan Fallows has stepped down as technical director of Aston Martin in part as result of the shake-up brought about the arrival next season of design guru Adrian Newey.

Newey is set to be the technical boss to whom all staff will report.

He will have total power over the team’s development under ambitious owner Lance Stroll.

Newey’s move from Red Bull was announced in September in a £20million-a-year deal brokered by his manager Eddie Jordan, the former team boss of his eponymous team.

Fallows, who will remain in the Aston group, joined a couple of years ago. He and Newey previously worked together at Red Bull. The 50-year-old Fallows was head of aerodynamics at Milton Keynes prior to his move to Aston, based in Silverstone.

Newey, centre left, was officially confirmed to be joining Aston Martin back in September

Aston Martin’s results this season have been a disappointment to owner Lance Stroll, right

This year’s results have been a grave disappointment to Stroll – and Fallows, it seems, has paid the price for the failure.

Aston are fifth in the standings, more than 500 points behind leaders McLaren.

‘In my time at Aston Martin, it has been a joy and a privilege to guide the technical team on their journey towards being race and championship winners,’ Fallows said.

‘It is time for me to pass on the baton, but I look forward to watching the team’s future success, which I am sure will come soon.’