Adrian Newey, widely recognized as the most successful Formula 1 designer in history, gave strong indications about his future in the sport after his departure from Red Bull. Newey, who found success with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, decided to leave the team where he played a key role in transforming a startup into a world champion. The news of his departure was revealed in stages, leading up to the previous F1 race in Miami, which coincidentally fell on the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s fatal accident in Imola, while driving a car designed by Newey. Speaking at an event in Monaco, Newey discussed the strange circumstances surrounding the announcement and expressed his surprise at the media attention he received.
Newey’s presence at the Miami Grand Prix marked one of his last races with Red Bull before going on a paid leave. During this time, he is likely to attend races to engage with potential buyers of the RB17 hypercar, a project he has been involved in. The RB17 will be unveiled to the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, after which Newey’s involvement in F1 racing is expected to decrease significantly. Before his departure, Newey gave emotional farewell speeches to the engineering team on the track, the racing team in the garage, and the factory, reflecting on his journey with Red Bull and the challenges they overcame together.
Speculation has been intense about Newey’s next move, with Ferrari emerging as the favorite to secure his services. However, any potential agreement would require a flexible working arrangement that would allow Newey to contribute to the design process in a way that suits him. Such a role would be invaluable to Ferrari as they prepare for the new car regulations in 2026. Although retirement has been suggested as a possibility for Newey, he has hinted that he intends to only take a temporary break during his sabbatical, drawing inspiration from his father’s experience and conversations with motorsport veterans Bernie Ecclestone and Roger Penske.
Newey’s decision to remain actively involved in the sport for a few more years was influenced by his father’s retirement, which left him feeling unfulfilled. Watching Ecclestone and Penske, who maintained their mental and physical agility in old age, convinced Newey that the brain, like a muscle, needs exercise to stay sharp. Furthermore, Newey has nurtured a passion for automotive design since childhood and feels fortunate to have followed his dream. While he acknowledges the need for a break and currently feels tired, he anticipates his return to the sport after a well-deserved vacation.
