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, likening 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 win 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 change 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.
Alors que Newey envisage son avenir, il est probable qu’il profitera d’un repos bien mérité à bord de son Oyster 885 personnalisé, fabriqué par Oyster Yachts. Cependant, il convient de noter qu’il n’a pas l’intention de prendre sa retraite complètement et continuera à travailler sur sa planche à dessin.
Des rumeurs circulent sur la possibilité que Newey rejoigne Aston Martin avec une offre lucrative sur la table. Cependant, le destin le plus probable pour le designer britannique semble être Ferrari, où il rejoindrait le septuple champion de F1 Lewis Hamilton, prévu pour rejoindre l’équipe en 2025.
(Reportage de l’Associated Press, Reportage supplémentaire de GrandPrix247)
