The motorsport world was left stunned when Adrian Newey, often hailed as the greatest designer in Formula 1 history, announced his departure from Red Bull Racing after nearly two decades of unparalleled success. Now, the legendary aerodynamicist has opened up about the surprising decision, admitting it was something he could not have fathomed just a year earlier.
A Legacy of Dominance at Red Bull
Newey joined Red Bull in 2005, a pivotal moment for the fledgling team that had just taken over Jaguar Racing. Under his leadership, Red Bull evolved into a powerhouse, producing championship-winning cars that secured dominance for Sebastian Vettel during his four consecutive titles from 2010-2013 and for Max Verstappen during the turbo-hybrid era’s ground-effect resurgence.
Reflecting on his time at Red Bull, Newey acknowledged that leaving the team seemed like an absurd idea as recently as a year ago.
“I think if you’d said to me 12 months ago would I be leaving Red Bull and then now ultimately starting again I’d have said, ‘no, you’re crazy.’”
The Breaking Point
While Newey avoided directly citing the reasons behind his departure, rumors of internal turmoil within Red Bull loomed large. The team endured a turbulent start to 2024, with tensions reportedly escalating during an investigation into team principal Christian Horner.
For Newey, staying at Red Bull would have felt like a betrayal of his principles. The 66-year-old described his decision to leave as a matter of personal integrity.
“For various reasons, I felt I wouldn’t be true to myself if I stayed at Red Bull. So the first difficult decision was exactly that—do I stay or not at Red Bull? I obviously came to the conclusion that in being honest with myself, I couldn’t.”
A New Chapter at Aston Martin
Newey’s next challenge awaits at Aston Martin, where he will officially begin his tenure in March 2025. The team, led by billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll, has ambitious plans for the future, particularly with the massive regulatory overhaul set to debut in 2026. Newey’s expertise will be instrumental as the Silverstone-based team aims to transform into a title contender.
For Newey, the move represents not just a career shift but also a chance to tackle fresh challenges.
Red Bull Faces a New Reality
The impact of Newey’s departure is already being felt at Red Bull. As the architect of their success, his absence leaves a significant void in the team’s technical leadership. While Red Bull remains a dominant force in Formula 1, adapting to life without the visionary designer will be a critical test of their resilience.
Red Bull will need to rely heavily on its existing engineering talent, led by Technical Director Pierre Wache, to ensure the team maintains its competitive edge.
What Lies Ahead
For fans, the 2026 season promises an exciting showdown. With Newey lending his genius to Aston Martin and Red Bull adjusting to his absence, the new regulations could create an unpredictable and thrilling battle at the front of the grid.
As Newey embarks on this new chapter, one thing is certain: his influence on Formula 1 remains as profound as ever. Whether Aston Martin can emerge as a serious threat under his guidance is a question that will keep the paddock—and fans—buzzing in the years to come.