Adrian Newey’s anticipated departure from Red Bull’s Formula 1 team is likely to be confirmed before the Miami Grand Prix this weekend. The renowned F1 design icon has played a significant role in 25 drivers’ and constructors’ championship victories during his time with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull. After joining Red Bull in 2006, Newey helped elevate the team to a dominant force in F1. However, after nearly 20 years, he is set to part ways with the team due to a combination of long-standing conflicts and new issues.
While initially surprising, Newey’s departure becomes more understandable when examining the events of the past year and considering the broader context of the last decade. Throughout his career, there have been underlying problems, and Newey has had opportunities to leave in the past. These opportunities arose when other teams, such as Ferrari, expressed interest, or when he grew frustrated with issues like Renault’s problems at the start of F1’s V6 turbo-hybrid era in 2014.
Red Bull, once seen as the solution, has now become part of the problem, leaving Newey without a satisfactory option. In the past, he has been dissatisfied with F1’s regulations and desired the freedom to pursue other projects while maintaining some involvement in F1. Recently, concerns have arisen regarding the undervaluation of Newey’s role in Red Bull’s current success and his potential sidelining from F1 to focus solely on the Red Bull RB17 road car project.
These concerns were raised when Newey contemplated leaving Red Bull a year ago, which could have resulted in his departure at the end of his previous contract in 2023. However, a new deal was reached, only delaying the inevitable. The controversy surrounding team boss Christian Horner at the beginning of this year and the wider political issues surrounding the team have reignited the matter. Newey’s concerns, both within and outside of Red Bull, have intensified. Unlike before, there may be individuals within Red Bull who are not interested in finding a solution, as they believe the technical organization has progressed to a point where Newey is no longer necessary.
While Red Bull and Horner previously found ways to appease Newey, such as working on the Aston Martin Valkyrie during the Renault hybrid debacle, this time it appears reconciliation is unlikely. Consequently, Newey has informally informed Red Bull of his intentions to leave, and the team will not impede his departure in principle. However, the specifics of his exit may take time to finalize, contingent on whether Newey pursues another F1 challenge. Ferrari has frequently been linked to a potential move for him.
Red Bull recently confirmed that Newey’s contract extends until “at least the end of 2025.” This suggests that gardening leave, a period in which Newey would be unable to work for another team, would commence at the earliest in 2026. If Newey wishes to remain in F1 and prepare for the new car regulations in 2026, he would need to negotiate a shorter gardening leave period that allows him to join another team next year. It is uncertain whether this negotiation has already taken place or if it is on Newey’s agenda. However, if he decides to retire, Red Bull would likely have no power to prevent him from doing so.
Regardless of Newey’s future in F1, the obstacles to continuing his journey with Red Bull have become insurmountable.