MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 4: Adrian Newey, the Chief Technical Officer of Oracle Red Bull Racing, inspects Charles Leclerc’s car from Monaco and Ferrari on the grid before the Sprint before the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Miami at the Miami International Speedway on May 4, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Following his attention-grabbing announcement, Newey was immediately linked to a lucrative deal to join Lewis Hamilton in Maranello and team up with Charles Leclerc, potentially forming a Formula 1 Super Team. However, this deal has not yet materialized.
Being wealthy and having the freedom to do whatever he wants, Newey plans to embark on a global sailing adventure on his own custom yacht, if he desires. This would provide him with the opportunity to recharge and reflect on life after Red Bull, while making plans for what will likely be his final stint in F1 as a 65-year-old Brit.
Mark Preston, who previously worked with Newey at McLaren twenty years ago, shared his thoughts on Newey’s future beyond Red Bull amidst the abundance of unfounded speculation.
Preston joined the McLaren Formula 1 team in 2002 and subsequently rose to the position of Head of Vehicle Technology Labs, where he oversaw the development of the McLaren MP4-18A. During that project, he collaborated with Design Chief Mike Coughlan and Newey, who served as the team’s Technical Director at the time.
Talking about Newey and Ferrari to the OLBG media team, Preston stated: “Ferrari has several elements that can attract Adrian Newey. They have exceptional drivers, with Lewis Hamilton being a particularly attractive asset. Additionally, they have an impressive engine program, a notable team principal, and a multitude of talented engineers. If Adrian and Lewis were to join forces, they would certainly attract top engineering talents. Therefore, Ferrari has all the necessary components to bring it all together. It will be intriguing to see how this situation unfolds.”
“Newey has been linked to Ferrari, but ultimately, his decision will depend on the package they have to offer. The five key areas that must align are the engine, tires, drivers, resources, and personnel. It is imperative to have all these puzzle pieces in place, and it will be Newey’s responsibility to assess these factors, which are not always apparent from an external point of view,” Newey concluded.
Newey’s availability has not only captured Ferrari’s attention. Even Williams, with James Vowles expressing interest, is eager to secure the services of the sport’s most successful designer, whose decision-making throughout his F1 career has been far from conventional.
Regarding Newey’s next step, Preston speculated: “Several top teams have most of the necessary components for his next move, which will certainly present a difficult decision. There may be additional factors at play that align with his desired incentives.
“It is not surprising that Adrian is seeking new opportunities after leaving Red Bull. He thrives in uncharted territory, especially during periods of rule changes. As an engineer, I understand his fascination with the subtlest details, which likely means he will not stay away from the sport for long.
“Newey will determine his future as soon as he has all the necessary pieces in place, including the drivers. Acquiring the best drivers serves as motivation and incentive for the best engineers to join. It attracts the best talents, racing engineers, sponsors, and much more. It creates a snowball effect, and the drivers are a crucial element.”
Newey’s departure from Red Bull marks the end of a remarkable partnership in Formula 1 history. Over two decades, his cars have won six Constructors’ titles and seven Drivers’ titles, with Sebastian Vettel (4) and Max Verstappen (3), and will probably add more this year.
Preston predicts that the separation will have a significant impact on Red Bull: “Newey’s decision will greatly affect the team. When faced with the unknown, Adrian has a unique ability to shape the future of the team he is associated with.
“However, Red Bull has Max Verstappen and a talented group of individuals with a strong program. They are working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that all the pieces fit perfectly. I always emphasize the importance of a well-balanced package, and they will address any areas that need improvement by bringing in new employees.”
If Newey chooses Ferrari as his final destination in Formula 1, he will join the sport’s most successful driver, Sir Lewis Hamilton. Reflecting on this potential scenario, Preston commented: “Ferrari is an iconic brand, and I still keep a rejection letter I received from them 25 years ago simply because it has Ferrari’s letterhead.”
“Everyone admires Ferrari, and Hamilton’s move could align perfectly with the upcoming rule changes,” Preston concluded, noting that periods of new regulations consistently played into Newey’s skills.
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The exciting Formula 1 race at the Brazil Grand Prix left motorsport fans in ecstasy. The Brazilian driver, Lucas Silva, showed an incredible performance by securing the pole position and leading most of the race. However, a collision with the Italian driver, Marco Rossi, in the final laps, dashed Silva’s hopes of victory.
Despite the setback, Silva received a standing ovation from the crowd as he crossed the finish line in second place. It was a demonstration of skill and courage from the Brazilian driver, who faced adversity throughout the season.
The victory went to Rossi, who seized the opportunity after the collision with Silva. The Italian driver showed an impressive performance and secured his first Formula 1 win.
The race was also marked by other thrilling moments, such as the daring overtaking maneuver by the Spanish driver, Alejandro Hernandez, who climbed from last place to fourth place. It was an incredible display of skill and determination from the Spanish driver.
On the podium, Rossi celebrated his victory alongside Silva and Hernandez. The three drivers showed resilience and talent throughout the race.
The next stage of the Formula 1 World Championship will be held in Japan. Fans are eager to see more exciting action on the tracks and cheer for their favorite drivers. The season has been full of surprises and twists, and promises more thrills in the upcoming races.
