Adrian Newey’s Next Move: Will the F1 Legend Switch Teams After Red Bull?

Adrian Newey, a name synonymous with groundbreaking design in Formula 1, has hinted at an exciting new chapter as he contemplates continuing his illustrious career with a different team after his tenure with Red Bull concludes in 2025. Red Bull confirmed earlier this month that Newey will be leaving the team next year, ending a nearly two-decade-long collaboration that has yielded seven Drivers’ and six Constructors’ championships, including six championship doubles.

A New Chapter Begins

Newey, 65, has his eyes set on “new challenges” and has decided to move on amid growing tensions within the Austrian team. He has negotiated an exit package allowing him to start working with another team by March 2025, right on time to contribute to the development of the 2026 cars. During a chat with Eddie Jordan at the Monaco Historic Grand Prix, Newey revealed his changing perspective on retirement: “If you’d asked me 15 years ago, at the age of 65 would I seriously be considering changing teams, going somewhere else, and doing another four or five years, I’d have said you’re absolutely mad.”

Driven by Inspiration

Newey has drawn inspiration from his father, who he recalls “lost his mojo a bit” upon retiring at the same age. Conversations with racing-reasons-revealed">motorsport legends Roger Penske and Bernie Ecclestone also influenced his decision. “I asked them both: ‘What’s your secret?’ Because they’ve kept going and going, and for their age, they’re phenomenally mentally and physically agile,” Newey said. According to them, the brain is like a muscle that needs constant exercise. This wisdom resonated deeply with Newey, who has been passionate about motor racing since childhood: “I’ve wanted to work in motor racing as a designer since I was eight or ten years old. I’ve been lucky enough to fulfill that ambition.”

Future Possibilities

Newey is keeping his options open but hasn't ruled out taking a brief hiatus. “I guess I’ll have a bit of a holiday. I feel a little bit tired at the moment. But at some point, I’ll probably go again,” he noted.

The possibility of Newey joining Ferrari has sparked speculation, given the Italian team's renewed interest in his expertise. Newey acknowledges the opportunity and seems more motivated than ever to keep his brain active and his creativity flowing.

Reflections and Regrets

The announcement of his departure from Red Bull coincided with the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s tragic accident in a Williams car designed by Newey. Reflecting on that day, Newey admitted, “It was a very difficult and unfortunate day for that press release to come out.”

As for the Miami Grand Prix, Newey found himself in an unusual position. “I was there in a strategy function, hence being on the pit wall, but I wasn’t involved in any of the engineering decisions or any of the engineering meetings,” he said. “I never thought it would be big news. To be in all the flipping papers and on the telly and stuff was almost a bit of a shock.”

The Road Ahead

Adrian Newey’s potential move could be one of the most exciting developments in the world of Formula 1 in the coming years. His unparalleled expertise and inventive vision could usher in a new era of design excellence, much to the anticipation of fans and teams alike. Whether he decides to join Ferrari or another team, the world will be watching closely.