The bombshell news that Adrian Newey wants to leave Red Bull came as a serious ‘body blow’ to Christian Horner, according to reports. It has been widely reported that Newey is eager to depart after growing frustrated with the internal politics at Red Bull this season.
The saga surrounding Horner is thought to have played a major role in shaping Newey’s desire to leave. Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague earlier this year but was later cleared of any wrongdoing. He continues to deny the claims.
Red Bull have said they are yet to be informed of Newey’s decision to seek a way out before his contract expires at the end of 2025. The technical guru is reportedly confident that he can negotiate an exit allowing him to work for another team from the start of next season.
It was a ‘serious jolt’ and a ‘body blow’ to Horner when the news broke that Newey would be leaving Red Bull, according to the Daily Mail. The report adds that Horner’s survival as team principal is ‘linked to Newey’s employment’, which suggests his job security could be at risk when the latter departs.
Newey is arguably the greatest technical mastermind in F1 history and has been designing Red Bull’s cars since joining the team in 2005. He has played an influential role in shaping their recent dominance after nailing the widespread regulation changes that were introduced in 2022.
It remains to be seen where Newey will go next, with Ferrari thought to be a potential destination for the 65-year-old. They were said to have tried to land Newey before the Covid-19 pandemic, but nothing came of it and he ended up staying at Red Bull.
Aston Martin have also been linked with a move for his services, with team owner Lawrence Stroll said to be keen on bringing him in. It was reported in March that a ‘big-money’ offer had landed on Newey’s desk but it remains unclear if the proposal still stands.
Newey has previously expressed an interest in teaming up with Lewis Hamilton, a dream which could become a reality if Ferrari come calling. Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast last year, Newey admitted: “It would have been fabulous but it never happened. It’s just circumstance sometimes. That’s the way it is.”
