© Reuters
Ferrari is considered the most likely next team for Newey.
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Another major shake-up is looming in Formula 1 following the news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, with long-time Red Bull designer Adrian Newey set to leave the team. According to the BBC, Sky Sports and Auto Motor und Sport, the Briton has already informed the world champions that he wants to leave.
On Thursday night, it was reported that the scandal surrounding team boss Christian Horner was the cause. He was investigated before the start of the season for allegations of sexual harassment, inappropriate and controlling behavior.
Newey, 65, is said to be worried about the situation in the team after the incident with Horner.
Red Bull’s technical director has been part of the team since 2006 and is regarded as one of the most brilliant designers in Formula 1 history. Newey has been involved in winning a total of 25 drivers’ and constructors’ world titles with three teams – “Williams”, “McLaren” and “Red Bull”.
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With its cars, “Red Bull” dominated in two periods – between 2010 and 2013 with Sebastian Vettel and now with Max Verstappen.
Red Bull were quick to comment on the rumours: “Adrian is under contract until at least the end of 2025 and we are not aware of him joining another team.”
Work in another team
The situation surrounding the British engineer is complicated, as the contracts in Formula 1 themselves do not allow employees to immediately start work in another team.
The so-called a term for gardening leave, whereby employees must wait at least a year before moving to another team. In this way, it is guaranteed that details about the development of the car will not leak out.
According to the specialist publication The Race, it is not certain whether Newey can agree with “Red Bull” for a shorter period or terminate his contract before its end (2025). The technical rules in Formula 1 will change from 2026, with work on the cars for this period starting at least six months earlier.
© Reuters
At the moment, there is no information that Newey is planning his retirement from the sport, as the two options before him are “Ferrari” and “Aston Martin”. The Scuderia has not won a drivers’ world title since 2007, a period in which Newey-built cars claimed seven titles.
In his interview, the Briton stated that one of the things he regrets is that he never had the opportunity to work with Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. The two were part of McLaren after Newey’s departure.
Another of Newey’s regrets is that he was never part of Ferrari, although he stated years ago that he did not see himself working in Italy.
