Adrian Newey sets Red Bull departure date
Adrian Newey confirms March 2025 as his official Red Bull exit date, outlining his transitional role in F1 race weekends and the RB17 hypercar project. Speculation mounts about his future, with Aston Martin emerging as a potential destination.
Red Bull Racing's technical mastermind Adrian Newey has confirmed his official exit date from the team, shedding light on his evolving role within the organization as he prepares for his departure.
The announcement comes amidst swirling speculation about his future in Formula 1.
Countdown to departure
Newey, whose innovative designs have been instrumental in Red Bull's dominance of the sport, revealed in an interview with Motorsport.com that he will "stop working" with the team in March 2025.
This clarification comes after Red Bull's initial announcement in May, which only stated that Newey would leave the Red Bull Technology Group in the first quarter of 2025.
The 65-year-old engineering genius has already begun stepping back from his day-to-day F1 duties, focusing instead on the development of the RB17 hypercar.
However, his continued presence at recent Grand Prix events, including Miami, Monaco, and Silverstone, has sparked curiosity about his current involvement with the team.
Transitional responsibilities
Despite his reduced role, Newey remains an active participant in Red Bull's race weekend operations. He explained,
"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."
This transitional phase allows Newey to contribute his wealth of experience while gradually handing over the reins.
His interactions with drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, coupled with input on race strategy, ensure that Red Bull continues to benefit from his expertise during this period of change.
The RB17 project: A dridge to the future
Newey's involvement with the RB17 hypercar project serves as a crucial link between his F1 legacy and Red Bull's future endeavors.
He emphasized the project's significance, stating,
"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."
This integration of F1 technology and methodology into the hypercar project showcases Red Bull's commitment to innovation beyond the racetrack.
Newey's continued involvement in the RB17's development, even after his official departure, underscores the project's importance to both him and the team.
Speculation surrounding Newey's future
As Newey's Red Bull chapter nears its conclusion, the F1 community is abuzz with speculation about his next move.
Initially, Ferrari appeared to be the frontrunner in securing his services, especially following their successful acquisition of Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season.
However, recent reports suggest that Ferrari's hopes have "receded significantly."
According to the BBC, financial considerations and concerns about Newey potentially wielding too much influence within the team have cooled Ferrari's interest.
With Ferrari seemingly out of the picture, attention has turned to other potential suitors.
Aston Martin, whose owner Lawrence Stroll reportedly made a substantial offer to Newey earlier this year, is now considered a leading candidate.
McLaren, Newey's former team, is also rumored to be in contention.
Wherever he lands, Newey's impact on the sport's technical landscape is sure to continue long after his Red Bull tenure concludes.
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