Newey discussed his decision to leave Red Bull in an interview with Brundle during the Miami Grand Prix. The chances of Lewis Hamilton joining Adrian Newey at Ferrari seem unlikely, as former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok shared insights suggesting that Newey’s departure is more of a break than an immediate job change. Newey, a crucial figure in Red Bull Racing’s success, announced his intention to step away from the demanding world of Formula 1 starting next year after an impressive tenure.
During the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Chandhok addressed the speculation surrounding Newey’s possible move to Ferrari. “Whether they will be able to acquire the services of Adrian Newey is still uncertain and everyone is eager to see how this unfolds,” he said. “I really believe in what Adrian discussed with Martin [Brundle] in Miami, which is that he plans to take some time and consider his options.”
While Newey’s future remains uncertain, Chandhok hinted that a move to Italy could still be a possibility for the renowned designer when he decides to return. “Whether he will eventually join Ferrari is another story,” he added, suggesting that a move to Ferrari could happen in the future.
Newey opened up about his reasons for leaving Red Bull in an interview with Brundle at the Miami Grand Prix. He expressed the all-consuming nature of Formula 1 and his personal reflections on it. “Formula 1 consumes all your time and energy. I’ve been involved in it for a long time now. 2021 was an incredibly busy year, with the title battle against Mercedes throughout the championship and simultaneously working on the research and development of the RB18, which is the predecessor to the current generation of cars,” Newey explained. “And then there comes a time when, as Forest Gump once said, ‘I’m feeling a little tired’.”
He also spoke more about his thoughts on taking a sabbatical. “I’ve been contemplating it for some time and, as events unfolded this year, I find myself in the fortunate position of not needing to work to make a living. I work because I enjoy it. I just felt that now was a good time to take a step back, take a break, reevaluate my life, and travel a bit,” Newey stated.
With a clear plan to embrace a less structured lifestyle for a period of time, Newey mentioned potential travel plans with his wife and dogs, including the possibility of exploring France in a motorhome. His future in Formula 1 remains uncertain, with no definitive plans announced.
Meanwhile, Ferrari has been active in the transfer market, securing talents like Jerome d’Ambrosio and Loic Serra from Mercedes, and preparing to welcome Hamilton to their team next season. The opportunity to work with Newey could be a significant draw for Hamilton, considering Newey’s track record of success and influence in creating competitive cars in Formula 1.
