Whisper partners with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon to profile F1 car designer

Whisper is teaming up with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s outfit Artists Equity to produce a documentary about revered race car designer Adrian Newey.

Turbulence: The Greatest Mind in Formula One (w/t) follows 66-year-old Newey, considered by many F1 fans to be an era-defining genius, as he begins his next chapter as managing technical partner for Aston Martin Aramco. The move shocked the motorsports world at the start of this year when he announced he was leaving Red Bull after 19 years.

After an unprecedented run of success over the last 30 years, which include 12 World Constructors’ Championships and 14 World Drivers’ Championships, the expectations and pressure for his Aston Martin Aramco move are sky-high.

The doc features unprecedented access to Newey and his team as he attempts to design a World Championship-challenging car for the ambitious British brand, which is led by owner Lawrence Stroll.

The film will also explore the triumphs and tragedies of his career, from the highs of Red Bull’s recent F1 dominance to the lows of Ayrton Senna’s tragic death, and examine the universal human themes of ambition, sacrifice, tragedy and redemption.

Turbulence: The Greatest Mind in Formula One (w/t) is being produced by Whisper, Mark Stewart Productions (MSP) and Artists Equity, in collaboration with Astin Martin Aramco and F1.

It is exec produced for Whisper by Brian Venturo, Stephen O’Connor, Drew Masters, Chris Grubb, Sunil Patel and Emma Everitt for Whisper, Affleck, Damon and Kyle Wheeler for Artists Equity, and Mark Stewart for MSP. Patrick Mark and Michael Tolajian will also exec produce the film as well as direct it.

Newey said: “Hopefully this film can portray the passion, the working practice, the strength of mind that is involved in bringing an F1 car to the grid. The film charts the challenges I have faced in joining a new team in early March to prepare for what is arguably the biggest regulation change in F1 history.

“It also delves into the story behind my career up to this point and how it has helped to prepare me for this enormous challenge.”

Patel, Whisper’s co-founder and chief exec, added: “Whisper believes in telling stories that impact the world, and you will struggle to find a more compelling and intriguing one as Adrian Newey’s incredible F1 journey.

“The commitment to access, authenticity and honesty from Aston Martin will give genuine insight into what it takes to thrive and succeed in a sport where only the highest standards will do, and accountability is ultimately measured in the performance of teams and machines.”

Affleck, chief exec of Artists Equity, said: “This film is about so much more than just racing, it’s about a living legend whose unrivaled career is full of ambition and reinvention.”