F1 News: Adrian Newey Close To Leaving Red Bull - "I've Been Approached"

Adrian Newey, while deeply committed to Red Bull, acknowledges Ferrari's recurring approaches and does not completely rule out a future shift.

Adrian Newey, the design chief at Red Bull and the man behind the RB19, disclosed that he has been approached by Ferrari three times. Despite his strong ties with the Milton Keynes squad, the aerodynamicist did not completely dismiss the possibility of a future move.

Key Takeaways:

• Longstanding Interest from Ferrari: Ferrari has consistently shown interest in acquiring Adrian Newey, one of F1’s most brilliant minds. Despite this, Newey has remained with Red Bull, primarily due to his preference for staying in England over moving to Italy.
• The Allure and Pressure of Ferrari: Newey acknowledged the unique appeal of Ferrari, a brand synonymous with magic in motorsport. However, he expressed concerns about the intense pressure associated with working for what is essentially the Italian national team.
• Personal Ties to Red Bull: Newey has been with Red Bull for a significant period, playing a central role in developing their engineering side. While he didn’t rule out a change, he likened leaving Red Bull to walking out on family.

Talking to the Formula for Success podcast, Newey admitted he had been approached by Ferrari three times - a nod to his exceptional talent, as they have long sought to bring his expertise to Maranello. However, Newey's reluctance to move to Italy and his deep-seated affiliation with Red Bull have been key factors in his decision to stay put.

"Ferrari is this magic brand that I suppose in all honesty, probably everybody in motor racing is always fascinated by and tempted to join if there’s the opportunity," Newey said. “And I’ve been approached and come close three times now. One of those in IndyCar way back.” 

He added:

“And the cons are that if you don’t do a great job, you’re absolutely berated and torn apart. Of course, if you do a good job, then you’re a national hero. So that brings all its own pressures.

"But I mean for me, I have to try to take the passion, that side, out and approach it from an engineering side."

Ferrari isn't an easy take on, he admits:

“The cons are that if you don’t do a great job, you’re absolutely berated and torn apart. Of course, if you do a good job, then you’re a national hero.”

Adrian Newey's association with Red Bull Racing is a tale of extraordinary success and innovation in the world of Formula 1. Joining the team in 2006, Newey quickly became the cornerstone of Red Bull's technical department. Known for his exceptional skills in aerodynamics and chassis design, he played a pivotal role in transforming the team into a championship-winning powerhouse. 

Under his technical guidance, Red Bull Racing clinched four consecutive Constructors' Championships from 2010 to 2013, a feat that firmly established the team as a dominant force in F1. Newey's designs, characterised by their ingenuity and efficiency, have been instrumental in the team's ascension to the top of the sport today.

Newey's journey with Red Bull has been marked by a series of ground-breaking car designs. The RB6, RB7, RB8, and RB9, are some of his most notable creations, with the RB19 being added to this list more recently. 

Newey's legacy at Red Bull extends beyond mere race victories; he has been a key figure in shaping the team's technical philosophy and racing culture, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in the history of Formula 1.