But once it became clear that Newey was now a free agent, no longer tied to Red Bull, and set to depart during the first quarter of 2025, earlier than expected, his plans for the present and future became a mystery.
At the age of 65, Newey might consider taking a break and sailing around the world on his yacht. Afterwards, he could potentially join Ferrari, Aston Martin, or even Mercedes. These three prominent F1 teams have the resources to entice Newey and afford his services, as he could likely name his price.
It’s reasonable to assume that there will be a period of “gardening leave” before he joins his fellow Briton, the driver he greatly admires but has never worked with, Lewis Hamilton, at Ferrari once Red Bull’s mandatory break for their Chief Technical Officer comes to an end.
Before any of that happens, Newey explained his reasons for leaving the team he has achieved 13 F1 World Championship titles with, along with 117 GP victories and counting: “Ever since I was a young child, I aspired to be a creator of high-speed automobiles.
“My dream was to work as an engineer in Formula 1, and I have been fortunate enough to turn that dream into reality. For nearly two decades, it has been my utmost privilege to play a pivotal role in Red Bull Racing’s journey from a new and ambitious entrant to a team that has won multiple championships.
“However, I believe now is the right time to pass the torch to others and seek fresh challenges for myself. In the meantime, the final stages of RB17’s development are upon us, so my focus will remain on that for the duration of my time with the team.”
The esteemed British engineer expressed his gratitude towards the remarkable individuals he collaborated with during his 18-year tenure at Red Bull. He acknowledged their exceptional skills, dedication, and hard work, emphasizing that it has been a privilege to work alongside them. The engineering team, under the guidance of these talented individuals, is well-prepared for the final evolution of the car within the four-year period of the current regulations.
On a personal level, the engineer extended his appreciation to the shareholders, including the late Dietrich Mateschitz, Mark Mateschitz, and Chalerm Yoovidhya, for their unwavering support throughout his time at Red Bull. He also expressed gratitude towards Christian, not only as a business partner but also as a friend to both their families. Additionally, he thanked Oliver Mintzlaff for his leadership and Eddie Jordan, a close friend and manager.
This departure marks the end of a long and illustrious era for Newey and Red Bull. The team’s journey began in 2005 as an F1 Constructor. Reflecting on Newey’s designs, the announcement highlighted significant milestones. The RB3, his first true design for the team, achieved a podium finish at the 2007 European Grand Prix. The following year, his design led Toro Rosso to their first victory at the Italian GP with Sebastian Vettel.
With a unique ability to capitalize on regulation changes, Newey’s clean sheet RB5 design secured Red Bull’s first win in 2009, followed by five more victories that season. The RB6 brought the team its first double-title victory in 2010, a feat repeated for the next three years. The introduction of hybrid power in 2014 prompted a shift in focus for Newey, allowing him to create the Valkyrie hypercar.
The partnership with Honda in 2019 reignited Newey’s competitive spirit. The RB16B secured Red Bull’s first championship in eight years in 2021. With the upcoming regulation changes, the RB18, a completely new design, signals the start of a new era of dominance from 2022 onwards.
Undoubtedly, the current F1 rules have witnessed the unparalleled dominance of Red Bull, led by Newey and his team. This era of success surpasses their previous period of dominance a decade ago, during which Sebastian Vettel clinched four consecutive F1 titles. Consequently, Max Verstappen is poised to secure his fourth consecutive F1 world title, thanks to the masterpieces crafted by the legendary designer: RB18, RB19, and now the RB20. It is highly likely that the RB21 will be Newey’s final creation for the team.