Adrian Newey has confirmed that he will officially leave Red Bull in March 2025 and explained his ongoing duties with the team on specific race weekends for the remainder of the F1 season.
Newey’s exit marks the end of an era for Red Bull, an 18-year period during which the legendary F1 designer penned a multitude of race-winning that contributed to the team’s 13 titles – including six F1 Constructors’ Championships.
However, the British engineer’s departure is following a gradual process. Newey remains involved in Red Bull’s RB17 hypercar which was unveiled last weekend at Goodwood’s Festival of Speed.
But the 65-year-old is also attending a selection of races with the team, standing post in the team’s garage and on the pitwall. Speaking to Motorsport.com, Newey outlined his responsibilities on race weekends.
“I have been primarily talking to the drivers a little bit, and then a bit involved in strategy through the races, but it’s also been [about] meeting customers – RB17 clients and customers,” Newey said.
“Because I think the point of [the RB17 project] is it’s very much an extension of the Formula 1 team and everybody, therefore, is involved not only in the RB17 itself, but in how Red Bull goes about Formula 1 weekends.
“And that will continue regardless of my physically being present, because of the way we’re doing [it], and also my son Harry [former racing driver and RB17 customer manager] Harry, will continue to work on RB17 through to its completion and indeed beyond when I stop working here in March next year.
“Then I will still be fully involved in working with the guys on queries and I’ll be attending track tests and so on and so forth.”
©RedBull
Speculation regarding Newey’s next move remain rife. The designer has conceded that he needs a break for the high-strung world of F1 but also that he isn’t quite done with the sport.
While odds appeared high until recently of Newey joining Ferrari, the Briton’s financial demands have reportedly discouraged the Italian outfit.
Newey was reportedly given a royal tour of Aston Martin’s new state-of-the-art facilities in Silverstone by Lawrence Stroll himself, positioning the team as a strong contender for the design guru’s services.
But given Newey’s strong relationship with McLaren boss Zak Brown, the Woking-based outfit – for which the designer worked from 1997 to 2005 – could also be an enticing proposition for the Briton.
A decision is expected by September, leaving F1 fans on the edge of their seats as they wait to see which team will snag the design mastermind.
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