Adrian Newey, one of the most celebrated designers in Formula One history, will leave Red Bull next year. The team confirmed that the 65-year-old Briton, considered to be the mastermind behind their unprecedented dominance of the sport, is set to end his two-decade stay in the “first quarter of 2025”.

Ferrari – soon to be joined by Lewis Hamilton – are in pole position to sign him and Newey’s departure places further pressure on the Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner. Horner was cleared in February of alleged misconduct towards a female employee, who has lodged an appeal against the outcome.

It is understood that Newey had become uncomfortable with his ­position at the team in the fallout from the furore that has engulfed the defending world champions.

“For almost two decades it has been my great honour to have played a key role in Red Bull Racing’s progress from upstart newcomer to multiple title-winning Team,” Newey said. “However, I feel now is an opportune moment to hand that baton over to others and to seek new challenges for myself.”

Newey has been with Red Bull since 2006, a year after the team was formed. He has since designed cars that have won seven drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships for Red Bull as well as championships for Williams and McLaren.

“All of our greatest moments from the past 20 years have come with Adrian’s hand on the technical tiller,” Horner said. “His vision and brilliance have helped us to 13 titles in 20 seasons. For me, when Adrian joined Red Bull, he was already a superstar designer. Two decades and 13 Championships later he leaves as a true legend.”

Newey’s exit will inevitably cast doubt on the future of the world champion, Max Verstappen, even though the Dutchman is contracted until 2028.

Newey, who is expected to be in Miami for this weekend’s race, said: “Ever since I was a young boy, I wanted to be a designer of fast cars. My dream was to be an engineer in Formula One, and I’ve been lucky enough to make that dream a reality.

“For almost two decades it has been my great honour to have played a key role in Red Bull Racing’s progress from upstart newcomer to multiple title-winning team. The final stages of development of RB17 are upon us, so for the remainder of my time with the team my focus will lie there.”

Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Wednesday that Newey had met the Ferrari principal, Frederic Vasseur, in London to discuss a deal. A move to Italy would unite him with Hamilton, who is switching to Ferrari from Mercedes next season.

British-based Aston Martin have been named as possible future employers and have made overtures. Newey has been reluctant to leave England, where most of the teams are based.

Red Bull are finishing their partnership with Honda at the end of next season and making their own engine with backing from Ford when the sport starts a new power unit era in 2026.

The team have been going through turmoil since before the start of the season, with Horner in the spotlight and having issues with Verstappen’s father Jos and Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko. Newey is regarded as equally vital to Red Bull’s success as Verstappen, even if the Briton is not a one-man band and has a team of highly-rated designers and aerodynamicists working with him.

Source: theguardian.com