Adrian Newey, Chief Technical Officer of Oracle Red Bull Racing, and Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, walk in the Paddock before the practice session for the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Miami at the Miami International Speedway on May 3, 2024, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Newey’s departure from Red Bull was officially announced before the 2025 Miami GP, but his future plans and the team he will join remain unknown. Red Bull has been facing difficulties since before the 2024 Formula 1 season, with the scandal involving Horner causing significant turbulence and uncertainty regarding the future of Max Verstappen. However, after the Formula 1 race in Saudi Arabia, top Red Bull executives seemed to calm the situation. Just when things seemed to be returning to normal, came the announcement of Newey’s departure.
Many speculated that Newey’s decision to leave is a result of the scandal involving Horner, putting Horner back in the spotlight. However, Horner rejected these claims during a press interview in Miami. When asked if Newey’s departure was related to him, Horner responded by stating that he had extensive conversations with Adrian and that his position is clear. He emphasized their strong relationship and friendship, acknowledging Newey’s significant contributions to the team. Horner expressed sadness at Newey’s departure, but highlighted that the team is in good shape and has a solid foundation to move forward.
When asked about the impact of Newey’s departure on Red Bull, Horner pragmatically acknowledged that nothing lasts forever. He highlighted Newey’s time at Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull, emphasizing the great moments they shared on and off the track. Horner revealed that he considers Newey a friend and even the godfather of his children. Recognizing the loss, Horner expressed confidence in the team’s ability to navigate the future, citing the preparations made since 2014, when Newey almost left. He referred to the restructuring of the technical team in anticipation of the Turbo-hybrid era of Formula 1, which followed Red Bull’s dominant period with Sebastian Vettel.
Newey’s dissatisfaction with Formula 1 was reportedly a factor in his decision to leave, but Red Bull offered him other projects to retain his services. However, his interest in Formula 1 was reignited with the introduction of the “ground effect” era. Since 2022, Red Bull, under Newey’s guidance, has produced a series of dominant cars, starting with the RB18 and culminating in the current RB20, with the team aiming for its third consecutive title.
