Veteran Designer Newey Departs Red Bull After Two Decades of Domination
In a significant development within the world of Formula 1, renowned designer Adrian Newey has decided to part ways with Red Bull Racing after a two-decade tenure that saw him play a pivotal role in the team’s remarkable success. Newey, the chief technology officer at Red Bull, has been the driving force behind the cars that propelled Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to a combined seven drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles for the Milton Keynes-based squad.
The news of Newey’s impending departure was first reported by the German publication Auto Motor und Sport and has since been confirmed to Motorsport.com by sources familiar with the situation.
Despite signing a fresh Red Bull deal just last year, Newey’s future with the team has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, with reports of an ongoing internal power struggle within the organization.
Internal Investigation and Unsettled Newey
The issue came to a head at the start of the 2024 season, following an internal investigation into allegations of misconduct by team principal Christian Horner. While the claims against the 50-year-old were ultimately dismissed, the saga appears to have unsettled Newey, leading to his shock decision to inform the team management of his intention to depart.
This news presents a significant blow for Red Bull, which is currently dominating the 2023 season with Verstappen and its formidable RB20 car. The Dutchman, who is contracted with the team until the end of 2028, has made it clear that his future heavily depends on the “pillars” of Red Bull’s success remaining in place, including Newey.
Newey’s Next Move and Gardening Leave
As for Newey’s next move, the details remain uncertain. The 65-year-old designer has previously been the subject of lucrative offers from Aston Martin and has long been admired by Ferrari, though he has repeatedly turned down their advances in the past. The terms of his “gardening leave” are now the subject of further discussions between Newey and Red Bull.
Despite the impending departure, Red Bull has stated that Newey remains contracted with the team until at least the end of 2025, and they are unaware of him joining any other team. Newey’s legacy at Red Bull, however, is undeniable, having played a pivotal role in the team’s road racing news, road racing, cycling time trials, and audax uk success over the past two decades.
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