F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey Likely to Retire Over Join New Team

Alex Harrington | Apr 26, 2024

Adrian Newey, the Chief Technical Officer of Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on April 05, 2024 in Suzuka, Japan. / Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Adrian Newey, the genius behind Red Bull Racing's design team, is reportedly stepping away from Formula One. Rumors suggest he is considering retirement instead of joining another team due to contractual constraints.

Recent reports have speculated that Adrian Newey, Chief Technical Officer at Red Bull Racing and a pivotal figure in their success, might be on the verge of retirement. This development comes amid reports of internal discord within the team after the allegations surrounding Christian Horner.

Adrian Newey's departure from Red Bull Racing, while not officially confirmed, is said to be influenced by an underlying power struggle within the team's management. This turmoil centers around team Principal Christian Horner. Although Horner has been cleared of any misconduct, an ongoing investigation continues to unsettle the team's hierarchy. The implications of these internal conflicts extend far beyond management, potentially affecting the team's performance and stability.

Newey, who has a longstanding reputation as one of F1's most innovative technical minds, has reportedly received numerous offers from other top teams, including Aston Martin and Ferrari. However, his current contract with Red Bull includes a clause that restricts him from joining any other F1 team until 2027, nearly forcing his hand toward retirement if he chooses to leave.

"Should Adrian Newey decide to leave Red Bull: contract what he has is until 2025, plus then also a one-year non-compete clause. So he would not be able to work for another team until 2027 i.m.o. Opting for retirement might be more obvious," said Formula One commentator Olav Mol.

While Newey's role in the design of the RB19 and its 2024 successor was significant, it's crucial to note that he was not the only mind that has worked on this machinery. Pierre Wache also significantly contributed to the car's development, ensuring Red Bull remained competitive. This shared responsibility indicates that while Newey's departure would be a significant loss, the team may still maintain its competitive edge thanks to the knowledge of the likes of Piere Wache, and the like.

The potential exit of Newey poses several questions about Red Bull's future, particularly in relation to its driver lineup. Drivers like Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, who have benefited greatly from Newey's designs, might re-evaluate their positions within the team in light of these developments.

Despite speculation about a move to Ferrari, personal reasons previously deterred Newey from moveing to the Scuderia, specifically his family and his children's schooling. His recent sighting near Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello has reignited such speculations, thoughit's not confirmed that he's been visiting the Imola factory specifically.