Adrian Newey, the esteemed designer behind Red Bull Racing’s championship-winning cars, has decided to part ways with the team after a remarkable two-decade tenure. Newey’s departure, first reported by Auto Motor und Sport and confirmed by Motorsport.com, comes amidst intense speculation about his future despite signing a fresh deal with Red Bull just a year prior.
The decision comes at a tumultuous time for Red Bull, with internal power struggles between factions supporting team principal Christian Horner and those aligned with team advisor Helmut Marko. This internal strife intensified following an investigation into misconduct allegations against Horner, ultimately dismissed, further unsettling Newey.
For Red Bull, Newey’s departure represents a significant setback, as he played a pivotal role in securing seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles, notably with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Verstappen, whose contract extends to 2028, has hinted that his future with the team hinges on maintaining its key figures.
While Newey’s next move remains undisclosed, reports suggest he received a lucrative offer from Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll during the Saudi Grand Prix weekend. Ferrari has also expressed admiration for Newey in the past, though he has consistently rejected their overtures.
Red Bull, in response to inquiries, stated Newey remains contracted until at least 2025 and is unaware of any plans for him to join another team. Previously, Newey found success with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull’s ambitious project in 2006, where he continued his legacy of designing championship-winning cars.