What does the future hold for Adrian Newey?
Speculation has been rife this week regarding the British engineer’s position at Red Bull.
When reports emerged on Thursday detailing Adrian Newey’s desire to leave Red Bull, it was met with surprise by not only fans of Formula One but also - according to insiders - Red Bull themselves. So what really is the truth about Newey’s future?
As it currently stands, Newey is yet to formally resign and only last year extended his contract with the World Champions until the end of 2025. According to Craig Slater of Sky Sports, there are clauses in Newey’s contract which would prohibit him from joining another team until 2027 at the earliest. There would undoubtedly be a clamour for the 65 year old’s services at every other team on the grid, especially Ferrari, Aston Martin and Mercedes, who have all lagged behind Red Bull in recent years.
Newey joined Red Bull in 2006 and has gone on to become the most distinguished car designer and engineer of the modern era, with his cars winning the Milton Keynes-based team six Constructors’ championships and seven Drivers’ championships for Sebastian Vettel (4) and Max Verstappen (3). His spell with Williams between 1991-1996 saw the team win five Constructors' Championships and Drivers’ titles for Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. There was also a period at McLaren 1997-2005 which garnered one team title and two championships for Mika Häkkinen. He was recognised by royalty in 2012, being given an OBE for services to motorsport in the New Year Honours.
The speculation surrounding Newey’s position at Red Bull appears to stem from his reported unhappiness with his role in the team as well as the recent allegations towards team principal Christian Horner, who was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female employee. Horner has denied wrongdoing and had grievances against him dismissed by an independent enquiry, though there has been an appeal submitted by the complainant. There’s no doubt that Newey’s departure would lead to speculation regarding the future of Max Verstappen, who recently said he’s happy at Red Bull but that it was “very important we keep the key people together”.
Of course, there is also the possibility that Newey may move away from Formula One altogether to concentrate on other projects, such as the RB17 hypercar project, which begins production in 2025. Only 50 will be made at the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes.
Hulkenberg to join Sauber in 2025
In other Formula One news, Niko Hulkenberg will join Sauber in 2025 as the team prepares to transform into Audi in 2026.
The 36-year-old German is the first driver to sign for Audi and the team are reportedly targeting a move for Carlos Sainz, who will depart Ferrari at the end of this season.
Hulkenberg started in F1 in 2010 and has raced for the Williams, Force India, Sauber and Renault teams. He links up with Andreas Seidl, chief executive officer of Sauber and the Audi F1 project, whom he previously worked with when he won Le Mans for Porsche in 2015.
That, of course, now means there is a vacancy at Haas to drive alongside Kevin Magnussen. Rumoured to be in the mix is Oliver Bearman, who recently stepped in for one race for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in place of Carlos Sainz who was struck down with appendicitis. The 18 year old is currently competing in the Formula 2 Championship for Prema Racing but its also a reserve driver for Ferrari and Haas.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Red Bull