Adrian Newey, the revered Formula 1 car designer, will bid farewell to Red Bull Racing, marking the end of a remarkable era spanning over twenty years. The collaboration between Newey and Red Bull will conclude in early 2025, as confirmed in a statement released Wednesday night, AEST.
Joining Red Bull in 2006 and serving as their Chief Technical Officer, Newey’s genius has propelled the energy drink company to over a dozen world championships, including six constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ championships.
In his statement, Newey expressed gratitude for his role in Red Bull Racing’s evolution and emphasized the timing of his departure as an opportunity for fresh challenges. He assured confidence in the engineering team’s readiness for the upcoming car evolution under the next four-year regulation set.
Speculations regarding Newey’s exit had been circulating for months, particularly following a controversy involving team principal Christian Horner. Although Horner was cleared of misconduct allegations, tensions within the team surfaced, reportedly affecting superstar driver Max Verstappen and his father Jos.
Newey’s departure, closely linked to his relationship with Horner, raises uncertainties about Verstappen’s future with Red Bull Racing. Despite being under contract until 2028, Verstappen’s rumored dissatisfaction coupled with Newey’s exit could prompt exploration of alternative team options.
As Newey bids farewell, his departure marks the end of an era and prompts reflections on his legendary contributions to the sport.