It’s likely a long shot for Williams, but team principal James Vowles has revealed that he has held talks with outgoing Red Bull designer Adrian Newey about returning to the Grove-based squad.
Newey, widely considered one of the most brilliant minds in the history of F1, will part ways with Red Bull early next year after a 19-year presence at the championship winning team.
While the legendary designer’s next step remains unclear, Ferrari has emerged as a frontrunner to secure the Briton’s services, with Aston Martin also reportedly tabling a significant financial offer to lure him to Team Silverstone.
Williams has now added itself to the mix, with Vowles revealing recent discussions with Newey.
This unexpected development further intensifies the competition for the engineer’s coveted expertise, making his eventual decision a highly anticipated event in the F1 world.
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“I've known Adrian for a while anyway, and I spoke to him Friday. I'm sure we'll be talking again, very shortly as well,” Vowles said in Miami on Friday.
“He is an icon of our sport. There is no doubt about it. Every team he's been to since Williams has been championship material. And that's not a coincidence, that is just simply the effect he has on the sport.
“It would be remiss of me to not be talking to him. It is as simple as that.”
Adding a historical layer to the story, Newey played a pivotal role during Williams’ golden era in Formula 1. He joined Williams in 1991 and, alongside then technical director Patrick Head, masterminded the dominant FW14B car that propelled Nigel Mansell to the 1992 world championship title.
His design genius continued to shine as his creations secured further championship victories for Williams in 1993, 1996, and 1997 before he moved on to McLaren and further championship success.
This shared history adds a unique dimension to Williams' current pursuit, although appear remote that talks between the two parties will come to fruition.
“I think we as Williams have a huge amount of work to do,” added Vowled. “Adrian or not, our task is enormous - and Adrian wouldn't make it easier, but that's the whole point.
“I think we also have to be sensible about it. Our conversations with him have been very light. But even so, are we in discussions? Yes. Very light discussions. But to answer your question, would it be a dream team? Yes.”
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