News broke on Thursday that Red Bull designer Adrian Newey is set to announce his departure soon. Various German sources reported that Newey finds his position untenable due to the ongoing power struggle within the team. The 65-year-old designer is a coveted figure among competitors, but what are the real options for Newey?
If Adrian Newey does indeed decide to leave, there are plenty of teams willing to make room for the aerodynamics guru. It’s well-known that Ferrari has always been interested in his skills. In 2014, they made a bid for Newey in Maranello, but he remained loyal to Red Bull. However, the 65-year-old Englishman has previously admitted that he regrets never having been able to sign for Ferrari – the allure of the Scuderia seems irresistible to him too. If he steps down in Milton Keynes, a deal with the Italians is one of the main options.
Adrian Newey’s Potential Future Endeavors
Adrian Newey could potentially look closer to home for his next venture. Aston Martin, under the leadership of Lawrence Stroll, is working on a championship-worthy car for 2026 in Silverstone. In the same year, the British racing team will also partner with Honda, the engine supplier currently serving Red Bull. Aston Martin has reportedly made a substantial offer to Adrian Newey in an attempt to lure him away from the champions. If his current contract is broken, there might still be a chance for this deal to materialize.
Mercedes as a Viable Option
Mercedes is also a realistic option. The German racing team is struggling this season in the sub-top – the balance of the W15 is far from ideal. From 2026, Toto Wolff hopes to deliver a competitive car that can compete for the championship. The skills of someone like Adrian Newey would be very interesting in this context.
Adrian Newey’s Contract
Adrian Newey is contracted with Red Bull until the end of 2025. However, it is expected that he will pack his bags by the end of this year. If he wants to join a new team afterwards, he must also take into account the so-called ‘gardening leave’ – a period of about a year during which Formula 1 personnel are not allowed to engage in the sport. Newey would then be back on the grid at the earliest in 2026.
