In a revelation that shook the motorsport world, legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey has opened up about his monumental decision to leave Red Bull Racing after nearly two decades. The 66-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest technical minds in F1 history, reflected on his choice to part ways with the team he helped transform from an outsider to a dominant force, capturing six Constructors’ titles and five Drivers’ Championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
A Decision That Seemed “Crazy”
Newey admitted that just a year ago, the thought of leaving Red Bull seemed unthinkable. However, his innate drive for new challenges ultimately led him to Aston Martin, where he’ll take on the role of Managing Technical Partner starting in 2025.
“If you’d said to me 12 months ago, would I be leaving Red Bull and now ultimately starting again, I would have said, ‘no, you’re crazy,’” Newey told Auto Motor und Sport.
“But for various reasons, I felt I wouldn’t be true to myself if I stayed. The first difficult decision was exactly that: Do I stay or not? Being honest with myself, I couldn’t.”
Why Aston Martin?
Once Newey decided to leave Red Bull, the question of where to go next loomed large. Offers from Ferrari, McLaren, and Williams swirled in the rumor mill, but it was Aston Martin’s chairman Lawrence Stroll who won him over with a mix of old-school charm and modern ambition.
“Lawrence’s passion and commitment are very persuasive,” Newey said. “It’s back to the old school model where the team principal is the owner, like Frank Williams or Ron Dennis. That brings a unique feeling. Lawrence is the only properly active team owner in this modern era.”
The Allure of a New Challenge
Newey’s decision wasn’t solely based on Stroll’s vision. The prospect of helping Aston Martin transition into a full works team with Honda engines in 2026, combined with the promise of a state-of-the-art facility in Silverstone, proved irresistible.
“It became a very natural choice,” Newey explained. “To have the chance to be a shareholder and partner is something that hasn’t been offered to me before.”
Retirement? Not Yet
After a career spanning over three decades and 12 Constructors’ Championships with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, one might think retirement was on the cards. Newey, however, scoffed at the idea of leaving F1 just yet.
“I came to the conclusion that I’d get bored doing nothing,” he said. “Why not continue doing what I’ve always wanted to do and have enjoyed doing?”
Looking Ahead
Newey’s move to Aston Martin signals a seismic shift in F1’s competitive landscape. With Honda’s return as a power unit supplier and Stroll’s deep investment in resources, the team is poised to challenge the sport’s elite. Newey’s unparalleled expertise in aerodynamics and car design will undoubtedly play a central role in Aston Martin’s quest for championship glory.
As he takes on this new challenge, Newey remains as motivated as ever. His journey from Red Bull to Aston Martin is not just a career move—it’s a statement of intent from one of F1’s most iconic figures: the desire to keep innovating and shaping the future of motorsport.