(L to R): Adrian Newey, Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull Racing, is seen on the grid with Jeremy Clarkson and Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, at the Bahrain Grand Prix. This event took place on March 2, 2024, and was part of the Formula 1 World Championship, Round 1.
Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 World Champion, suggested that Adrian Newey, the renowned designer at Red Bull, consider returning to McLaren for his next career move. Reports indicate that Newey has decided to step down from his long-held position as Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull, a role he has held since 2006.
Earlier this year, rumors emerged that Aston Martin had offered Newey an attractive financial package, and he was also linked to a possible move to Ferrari. However, Hill believes that reuniting with McLaren, where Newey previously worked from 1997 to 2006, would be a promising opportunity for the British designer.
“I can’t help but wonder what would happen if Adrian considered joining McLaren,” Hill shared during an interview with Sky Sports F1. “They have shown great progress and are definitely a team on the rise.”
During his time at McLaren, Newey was responsible for the design of the successful MP4/13 car, which won both championships in 1998. He also designed the MP4/14, which Mika Hakkinen used to secure the drivers’ title in the following season. However, McLaren struggled to maintain their success in the early 2000s due to Ferrari’s dominance, and Newey was disillusioned with the team’s rigid structure.
Since then, McLaren has undergone significant changes. Ron Dennis, who was instrumental in the team’s earlier era, has departed, and under the leadership of CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella, McLaren has made a remarkable comeback. Stella was appointed to his position in December 2022.
Although McLaren faced initial challenges under Stella’s leadership, their mid-season updates allowed them to compete for podiums. This positive moment has extended into the current season, with Lando Norris securing podiums in both Australia and China.
