Adrian Newey, the renowned designer, is said to have expressed dissatisfaction with the changes happening at Red Bull after Dietrich Mateschitz’s death. Approximately six weeks after announcing his departure from Red Bull, there is much speculation about Newey’s future in the world of Formula 1. Reports suggest that as early as April of last year, he had signed a lucrative agreement with Ferrari. The reasons behind Newey’s decision were initially attributed to his need for a break from the demanding Formula 1 environment, both physically and mentally. However, he later hinted that, despite wanting to relax a bit, his passion for the sport remained strong after over four decades.
Newey’s previous negotiations with Ferrari are well-documented, as he was close to joining the Italian team on two occasions during his 18 years at Red Bull. Many people within the Formula 1 community believe that the 65-year-old Briton will end up working for Ferrari, possibly in the role of a highly paid consultant. BusinessF1 magazine, known for its ability to uncover secrets in the paddocks, reported a detailed account of an agreement facilitated by Newey’s friend and manager, Eddie Jordan. According to the magazine, the deal was finalized in London on April 29, just two days before the official announcement of Newey’s departure from Red Bull. The British publication states that Newey signed a three-year contract with Ferrari, spanning from 2025 to 2027, with a salary of $105 million. Additionally, he agreed to pay Jordan $5 million to manage his interests. BusinessF1 also raises questions about Newey’s employment status and the terms of his paid leave, suggesting that his contract in Formula 1 was with the Mateschitz family, not with the Red Bull Technology Group.
Furthermore, it was reported that Newey expressed his dissatisfaction with the changes happening at Red Bull after the death of Dietrich Mateschitz. Supposedly, he wrote a letter to Mark Mateschitz, in which he criticized the behavior of team principal Christian Horner and lamented the loss of the team’s family atmosphere. However, Eddie Jordan, Newey’s friend and manager, vehemently denied any involvement with Ferrari. During an appearance on David Coulthard’s Formula for Success podcast, Jordan refuted the claims made by the Daily Mail and stated, “I am not disclosing any information, and at no point have there been any discussions [with Ferrari]. The conversations will happen, and the ongoing discussions will continue, as we have not yet determined what Adrian wants.”
While the rumors persist, the silence from the parties involved speaks volumes in a sport filled with speculation. In the meantime, experts and fans are left to ponder, much like conspiracy theorists in a lesser-known team’s motorhome.