Adrian Newey, current technical director of Red Bull, will leave his position at the beginning of next year. This will give him the freedom to join another team and potentially contribute to the development of their 2026 car, which coincides with the next major regulation change.
In a recent interview with his manager Eddie Jordan, Newey expressed his lifelong passion for motorsport and his desire to work as a designer in the industry. Having fulfilled this ambition and spent his entire career in motorsport, the 65-year-old designer stated that he loves what he does. However, he also mentioned feeling a bit tired at the moment and may take a break before considering his next step, comparing it to the feeling Forrest Gump had at the end of his long run.
Since joining Red Bull in 2006, Newey has played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping them secure seven F1 drivers’ titles and six F1 constructors’ titles, including the last three seasons with Max Verstappen as the driver.
Newey’s departure from Red Bull comes amid allegations of “inappropriate behavior” against team principal Christian Horner. However, Horner has been cleared of these accusations by Red Bull GmbH’s parent company and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Reflecting on his decision to potentially switch teams at 65, Newey acknowledged that this would have seemed unlikely 15 years ago. He attributed his passion for cars to his father, a veterinarian and car enthusiast, who instilled in him a love for tinkering and playing with cars. Newey also sought advice from Bernie Ecclestone and Roger Penske, two people he deeply admires, who emphasized the importance of keeping the brain active and agile.
While Newey contemplates his future, he is likely to enjoy a well-deserved rest and relaxation aboard his custom Oyster 885, produced by Oyster Yachts. However, it is worth noting that he has no plans to retire completely and will continue to work at his drawing board.
Rumors are circulating about the possibility of Newey joining Aston Martin with a lucrative offer on the table. However, the most likely destination for the British designer seems to be Ferrari, where he would join seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join the team in 2025.
(Reporting by Associated Press, Additional reporting by GrandPrix247)
