The bets are on about Adrian Newey’s next move following Wednesday’s confirmation of his departure from Red Bull, but the F1 designer’s close friend Eddie Jordan suggested retirement as the Briton’s most probable option.
Newey is set to attend selected races until the end of the F1 season while he’ll also remain involved with Red Bull’s RB17 Hypercar project until its full completion.
However, the exit from the championship winning team of Formula 1’s most successful designer will mark the end of an incredibly successful era, with Newey leaving behind a legacy of 19 years with Red Bull encompassing 117 wins – so far and six F1 Constructors’ titles.
Interestingly, Red Bull’s press release confirming its CTO’s exit included quotes from Newey acknowledging his “my close friend and manager Eddie Jordan”.
Newey's original contract with Red Bull extended until the end of 2025, potentially including a restrictive "non-compete clause."
However, Jordan's involvement seems to have facilitated a strategic maneuver, allowing Newey to escape his agreement’s duration and potentially also its gardening leave provision.
Speculation surrounding Newey’s future is now centered around a lavish offer from Ferrari, one that could see the Briton endorse a consultancy role with the House of Maranello, rather than a full-time duty as the Scuderia’s technical director.
But Jordan, speaking on a recent Formula for Success podcast alongside host David Coulthard, believes that a well-deserved life in the slow lane - or perhaps on the high seas following Newey’s recent acquisition of a 27-metre sailing yacht - is Newey’s most likely destination.
“Remember that he’s been in Red Bull under constant pressure,” said Jordan.
“So if he’s going to take time out and just cruise for a while, then everyone would understand that and I think that’s probably more likely to [happen] rather than diving into any other possible employment career [options].”
At 65, with his financial security all wrapped up, Newey finds himself in the enviable position of having no constraints or professional responsibilities on the horizon.
“Things have slightly changed, he’s got a bit older,” added Jordan.
“This is a great team, he’s had great drivers, he’s got great personnel there – he probably should and would look to the future for a change of life.”
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