The chief of the Red Bull Racing team, Christian Horner, revealed that the team has been preparing for the departure of Formula 1 design genius Adrian Newey since 2014. After much speculation, Red Bull announced last week that Newey had expressed his intention to end his nearly two-decade association with the team. Newey’s planned departure in 2025 will mark the end of a remarkable era, during which he designed the cars that secured seven drivers’ titles and six constructors’ titles. Although his departure is seen as a significant loss, Horner admitted that the team has been anticipating this moment for nearly 10 years. Last season, Horner revealed that an intervention prevented Newey from joining Ferrari in 2014, when he was dissatisfied with Red Bull’s lack of competitiveness. “We always knew this day was coming,” Horner said after the race in Miami. “Since 2014, when Adrian was close to leaving, we have been building a strong technical team.”
Newey negotiated an early termination clause in his contract, allowing him to join another team in time for the development of the 2026 cars. Although he has been linked to Aston Martin, Ferrari, and a possible return to Williams, Horner believes that Newey will take a break from the world of racing. “At 65, you can’t blame Adrian for wanting to take a break from Formula 1,” Horner added. “He has earned the right to take a break, and what he chooses to do next will be up to him.”
When asked about the potential timeframe for a contender to build a team around Newey, Horner discussed the extensive efforts that Red Bull has made to incorporate his traditional methods. The long-time Red Bull boss also expressed his confidence in the current structure, led by Technical Director Pierre Wache, to maintain the team’s success. Horner emphasized the complexity of Formula 1 in the current business landscape, especially with the introduction of cost caps. He highlighted the importance of strategically allocating funds and resources to maximize value. Red Bull had developed a structure that revolved around Newey’s unique approach, but as regulations became stricter and Newey’s role evolved, other team members had to step up and adapt their working methods. This continuous evolution and adaptation are necessary for any organization to thrive.
