May 2nd 2024.
The motorsport world was rocked by Red Bull Racing's recent announcement that their renowned technical mastermind, Adrian Newey, will be leaving the team after almost two decades. Newey is widely recognized as the most successful car designer in Formula One history, and his next move is highly anticipated as it is expected to lead to further championship victories. It's safe to say that even the lowest-ranked driver could achieve success in a car designed by Newey.
Newey's influence in the sport goes far beyond the physical design of the car. He is considered more influential than the driver himself, as his strategic and innovative approach has been key to the success of multiple teams. Before we speculate about Newey's future, let's first understand the reasons behind his departure. In the past, he has turned down lucrative offers from other top teams like Ferrari, as he preferred to live in the UK. However, with multiple constructors' and drivers' championships under his belt with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, it seemed like Newey had found his long-term home at Red Bull. In fact, he had signed a contract extension just last year that would have kept him with the team until 2025.
So what caused the split? Rumors have been swirling about a power struggle within the team between team principal Christian Horner, who is backed by Red Bull GmbH's majority shareholder from Thailand, and Red Bull's Austrian headquarters, which is backed by the son of the company's founder. Allegations of inappropriate behavior by Horner towards a female employee have only added fuel to the fire. Although an investigation cleared Horner of any wrongdoing, the accuser is currently appealing the decision. This discord between the top brass may have ultimately led to Newey's decision to leave. While both Newey and Horner have denied any rift between them, it's clear that their relationship has been strained.
Newey's absence could also have a major impact on Red Bull's star driver, Max Verstappen. The three-time world champion's father, Jos, has expressed concern about the team's future and the potential departure of key personnel. Verstappen's contract with Red Bull is also up for renewal, and his father has hinted that he may seek opportunities elsewhere if the team's internal issues continue.
As for Newey, he is currently in Miami and will remain with Red Bull until the first quarter of 2025 before becoming a free agent. While he will no longer be involved in F1 car development, he will shift his focus to the brand's hypercar program. Many speculate that his next destination could be Ferrari, as he has reportedly had meetings with team principal Fred Vasseur and his wife has been seen scouting homes in the Maranello area. With Ferrari's recent struggles in the sport, Newey could be the missing piece to bring them back to their former glory.
The move would make sense for Newey, who is not a fan of Mercedes' Toto Wolff or Aston Martin's Lawrence Stroll. While Stroll may be willing to offer a blank check, it's clear that money is not the only factor for Newey. If he does stay in F1, the challenge of reviving Ferrari's championship-winning legacy is likely what he's after. With over 200 Grand Prix wins under his belt, it's hard to bet against Newey achieving success with the prancing horse.
Meanwhile, Red Bull will have to deal with the loss of their technical guru and the potential brain drain that could follow. This could leave Horner in a vulnerable position as he tries to maintain the team's dominance in the sport. But for now, all eyes are on Newey and where he will choose to continue his illustrious career. As we look forward to the 2025 season, one thing is for sure – it's shaping up to be an exciting one. While this year may be a sure bet for Verstappen and Red Bull, the future of F1 is uncertain. But one thing is certain – the sport will never be the same without Adrian Newey.
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