- Newey’s contributions have been pivotal in Red Bull Racing’s success, leading to multiple world championships.
- His departure is influenced by ongoing tensions within the team and a broader disillusionment with F1.
- Christian Horner paid tribute to Newey as a “true legend,” highlighting his significant impact on the team’s success.
- Newey’s future remains uncertain, with potential interest from other teams in the F1 circuit.
Newsypeople- Red Bull Racing has confirmed the departure of its Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Adrian Newey, who will leave the team in early 2025. Newey, widely regarded as one of the greatest designers in the history of Formula 1, has been with Red Bull since 2005, overseeing two dominant eras of the team’s success.
His first period of dominance spanned from 2010 to 2014, during which they won four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles with Sebastian Vettel. The second era, which began with Max Verstappen, has seen the team continue its winning streak, with Verstappen and Red Bull producing a highly dominant season in 2023, winning 19 of the 22 races.
Newey’s decision to leave Red Bull comes amidst a controversy involving allegations against team principal Christian Horner. Newey expressed his desire to leave following this controversy, marking a significant moment in the team’s history. Horner, in response, praised Newey as a “true legend” and credited him for the team’s greatest moments over the past 20 years. He highlighted Newey’s exceptional ability to conceptualize beyond F1, his talent for embracing change, and his relentless will to win, which have contributed to Red Bull’s success.
Newey’s next team has not been officially announced, but Ferrari is considered a strong contender to sign him. There have been reports of Newey meeting with Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur in London to discuss a potential deal. However, Vasseur has not commented on the matter.
Despite his departure from Red Bull’s F1 operations, Newey will continue to work on the team’s first road-going hypercar, the RB17, until its completion. This project is expected to be unveiled at Goodwood in July. Newey’s departure will not affect the technical structure of Red Bull, as Pierre Wache, the technical director, has signed a multi-year contract extension.
Newey departure raises questions about the future of Red Bull’s F1 outfit, which has shown signs of internal unrest, particularly following the controversy surrounding Horner. The team’s performance and the future of its drivers, including Max Verstappen, are topics of speculation. Newey’s decision to leave is believed to be linked to the fallout from Horner’s internal misconduct investigation, although Red Bull had anticipated Newey’s departure for some time.
In a statement, Newey expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work in Formula 1 and his desire to seek new challenges. He highlighted his dream of becoming an engineer in F1, which he has achieved, and his pride in having played a key role in Red Bull Racing’s progress from a newcomer to a multiple title-winning team.
Newey’s departure marks a significant milestone in the history of Red Bull Racing, a team he has played a pivotal role in shaping. His contributions to the sport and the team will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to excellence.