Newey lawyers up, wants freedom to join rival team in 2025

Adrian Newey has brought in his lawyers to negotiate with Red Bull an early release from his contract that would grant him the freedom to join another Formula 1 team as early as 2025, according to a report from BBC Sport.

On Tuesday, it was reported that Newey – Formula 1’s most successful designer – had submitted his resignation to Red Bull’s management, with a formal announcement expected ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

Red Bull has declined to comment on the matter at this time, leaving the details of Newey's departure shrouded in speculation.

As is typically the case for high-profile engineers in F1, Newey’s contract with Red Bull likely includes a ‘non-compete clause’ that would prevent the 65-year-old from joining another F1 team for a period of at least 12 months.

But according to BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson, Newey’s legal team is currently hard at work negotiating the exclusion of the all-important clause, perhaps through a buy-out offer to Red Bull.

This could indicate that Newey intends on moving to another team, with Ferrari emerging as a leading contender to secure the Briton’s coveted services.

• Read also: Newey hands in resignation – exit from Red Bull imminent

With F1 set to introduce new chassis and engine regulations in 2026, Newey's renowned ability to decipher and capitalize on new rules could provide his future team with a crucial competitive edge.

Ferrari, having previously pursued Newey without success on multiple occasions, is reportedly intensifying efforts to secure his signature once again.

However, it is believed that Aston martin team owner Lawrence Stroll has also tabled a significant offer to lure Newey to the Silverstone-based outfit.

Both McLaren and Mercedes have indicated that they have no plans to take part in a bidding war for Newey’s services.

“Adrian is a good friend and clearly the most successful designer of all time,” commented McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown, quoted by BBC Sport.

“However, we have a plan in place at McLaren and I am extremely happy with our technical leadership team and the progress we’re making to get back to the front of the grid.”

Queried on Newey at an event in New York earlier this week, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said that he was watching events from afar.

“Adrian Newey is an iconic engineer in F1 with a great track record and again also there are so many people talking about what he eventually might do and whether he leaves Red Bull or not,” said Wolff.

“I’m just looking at it like a fan and watching that space.”

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