Adrian Newey, one of the most celebrated designers in Formula One history, will leave Red Bull next year.
Red Bull confirmed that the 65-year-old Briton, considered to be the mastermind behind the team’s unprecedented dominance of the sport, is set to end his two-decade stay in the “first quarter of 2025”.
The news is set to spark a bidding war for Newey’s services, with Ferrari – soon to be joined by Lewis Hamilton – in pole position to sign him.
Newey’s departure also places further pressure on Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Horner was cleared in February of alleged misconduct towards a female employee, who has lodged an appeal against the outcome.
It is understood that Newey had become uncomfortable with his Âposition at the team amid the fallout from the furore that has engulfed the defending world champions.
“For almost two decades it has been my great honour to have played a key role in Red Bull Racing’s progress from upstart newcomer to multiple title-winning Team,” Newey said in a statement. “However, I feel now is an opportune moment to hand that baton over to others and to seek new challenges for myself.”
The 65-year-old Newey has been with Red Bull since 2006, a year after the team was formed. He has since designed cars that have won seven drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships for Red Bull as well as championships for Williams and McLaren. Losing him is a significant blow to the team.
“All of our greatest moments from the past 20 years have come with Adrian’s hand on the technical tiller,” Horner said. “His vision and brilliance have helped us to 13 titles in 20 seasons. For me, when Adrian joined Red Bull, he was already a superstar designer. Two decades and 13 Championships later he leaves as a true legend.”
Newey’s exit will inevitably cast doubt on the future of world champion Max Verstappen. Although the Dutchman is contracted until 2028, the loss of Newey represents serious cause for him to consider a new course.
Newey, who is expected to be in Miami for this weekend’s race, said: “Ever since I was a young boy, I wanted to be a designer of fast cars. My dream was to be an engineer in Formula One, and I’ve been lucky enough to make that dream a reality.
“For almost two decades it has been my great honour to have played a key role in Red Bull Racing’s progress from upstart newcomer to multiple title-winning team. the final stages of development of RB17 are upon us, so for the remainder of my time with the team my focus will lie there.”
Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Wednesday that Newey had met the Ferrari principal Frederic Vasseur in London to discuss a potential deal. A move to Italy would unite him with fellow Briton Lewis Hamilton, who is switching to Ferrari from Mercedes next season.
