F1 guru on cusp of exit tipped to damage Red Bull
Red Bull’s chief technical officer Adrian Newey is reportedly negotiating his exit from the Formula 1 team, with official confirmation expected in the coming days.
An early release from his contract at the Milton Keynes-based squad would permit Newey to join another team from early next year.
Viewed as the most successful designer of the modern F1 era, Newey is the mastermind behind several barrier-pushing cars with unmatched competitive edge.
Adrian Newey looks on in the garage during practice ahead of the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Misconduct allegations levelled at team principal Christian Horner have reportedly triggered a falling out between key members of the team, including star driver Max Verstappen and motorsport adviser Helmut Marko — prompting Newey’s desire to leave.
Horner has always denied the claims and was cleared by an internal investigation in February but a second probe is now under way after the female staff member who levelled the allegations appealed the decision.
Newey is also said to be frustrated with Horner downplaying his importance to the team’s recent success in interviews.
A spokesperson for Red Bull said: “We don’t have any comment at this time.”
It is not known which team could be Newey’s next destination after previous stints at Williams and McLaren but Ferrari is said to be in the box seat to acquire the 65-year-old’s services.
Newey’s contract with Red Bull Racing expires at the end of next season and reportedly includes a 12-month “non-compete clause” that would prevent him from joining a rival team until 2027.
Christian Horner and Adrian Newey.
However, according to the BBC, Newey’s lawyers are working through an early release that would see him permitted to start work with a new team from early next year.
If his early exit is successful, it would be too late for Newey to help a team develop their 2025 car, however he would be available to start working on their 2026 car ahead of the sport’s new regulations relating to the chassis and engine coming into effect.
Ferrari is known to have approached Newey at least twice previously and is believed to again be chasing his signature after last losing out in 2014.
Canadian billionaire and Aston Martin’s chief executive Lawrence Stroll is also reported to have tabled a huge offer to Newey during March’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The announcement of Newey’s departure has reportedly been delayed out of respect for the memory of Ayrton Senna, with the 30th anniversary of his death commemorated on Wednesday.
Senna was killed in a crash during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix in a Williams car designed by Newey.