On Thursday, it became known that Adrian Newey, a key figure at Red Bull Racing, has privately shared his desire to leave the team based in Milton Keynes, England. Despite Red Bull’s success in Formula 1, Newey seems disheartened by recent internal power struggles over control of the team, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding the future of team boss Christian Horner.
However, it’s not as straightforward as it seems. Sources indicate that there hasn’t been any official communication with senior management at Red Bull or its parent company regarding Newey’s departure from his role as chief technical officer. There’s been no formal resignation either.
This surprising development has sparked speculation about Newey’s potential move to a rival team. Both Ferrari and Aston Martin have expressed interest in recruiting the renowned designer, hoping to benefit from his expertise as they aim to compete at the front of the F1 grid.
Ferrari, in particular, is looking to strengthen its team with the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Joining Ferrari would mark a significant change for Newey, but it’s uncertain whether he’s willing to navigate the complex political situation there.
Aston Martin, led by owner Lawrence Stroll, has also made efforts to attract Newey. Stroll’s ambitious plans for the Silverstone-based team align with Newey’s expertise, and a reunion with former colleague Dan Fallows could be enticing.
However, Newey’s contractual situation adds complexity to the equation. His current contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2025, with added clauses potentially extending his non-compete agreement until 2027. This delay could significantly limit his involvement with a new team, especially considering the long-term commitments involved in Formula 1’s rule changes.
Alternatively, Newey might be considering stepping away from F1 altogether. While he’s passionate about projects like Red Bull’s RB17 hypercar, continued involvement would tie him to the Milton Keynes team.
For Newey to join a rival team sooner, all parties involved would need to negotiate a buyout of his current contract. However, such a deal would likely come at a high cost, as Red Bull aims to protect its interests and prevent a competitive advantage for its rivals.
