Formula 1
Star designer Adrian Newey is leaving Red Bull Racing. After days of speculation, the racing team confirmed on Wednesday that the Briton would be leaving in 2025. Until then, Newey, who designed many world championship cars as a designer in Formula 1, will no longer work as a designer for the team. Newey’s departure is also seen as a reaction to the affair surrounding Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
01.05.2024 12.06
Online since today, 12:06 p.m
The sixth race of the season is on the program in Miami in the USA on Sunday (10 p.m., live on ORF1). However, Newey will only be following selected races on the track this season and will concentrate on building the RB17 road sports car. The 65-year-old had worked for Red Bull since 2006 and had a contract there until the end of 2025.
The trigger for his termination is the recent turmoil surrounding team boss Horner, who was accused of inappropriate behavior by a former Red Bull employee. The team boss was exonerated in an internal investigation, and the Thai Red Bull majority owners stuck with him. Because of the power struggle, Newey is said to have decided to leave early.
IMAGO/Newscom World/Action Press From 2010 to 2013, Sebastian Vettel became world champion four times in a row with a Newey car for Red Bull Racing
Ferrari will Newey
It initially remained unclear whether Newey would like to continue his involvement in Formula 1. In the past he is said to have turned down offers from Ferrari several times, and the “Scuderia” is said to continue to woo him. Aston Martin and Mercedes are also reportedly interested in signing Newey.
The top designer has been working in the racing series for decades. The cars he designed at stations such as Williams, McLaren and Red Bull were the basis for numerous race victories and titles. Newey is one of the most important people behind Sebastian Vettel’s four World Cup triumphs from 2010 to 2013 as well as Max Verstappen’s current series of titles.
Departure leaves unanswered questions
Newey’s departure could now lead to new upheavals at Red Bull, even though he had recently given up many tasks in the team. The loss of the designer could also make Verstappen, who was particularly courted by Mercedes, think about a change. Newey’s departure is also a setback for Red Bull for the upcoming replanning of the cars with the rule change in 2026.
