F1 Red Bull Racing: Robert Doornbos explains why Adrian Newey can start competing in 2025

According to Robert Doornbos, Red Bull Racing has given designer Adrian Newey lenient treatment, now that the 65-year-old Briton has announced his retirement. For example, it is common within the sport for a so-called cooling-off period to take place, normally one year, but Newey does not seem to have to adhere to this.

The designer has been part of the Austrian team since 2005 and has contributed to the success of Red Bull Racing. However, a departure and possible retirement had been on Newey’s mind since last year, he said earlier. It may be a bit annoying for Red Bull Racing that one of the bright minds is saying goodbye, but for the competition it is an opportunity to snare the designer.

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‘He’s already on gardening leave’

Newey’s contract expires in 2025 and normally he could start working for another team a year later, if Newey even wishes to do so. Yet Doornbos points out https://twitter.com/ZS_Racing/status/1786510428115218725?t=RNfUxMVy-R5e3TA7wrGz9Q&s=19 to lenient treatment from Red Bull Racing. “Because his gardening leave is already taking effect. You have two processes within Formula 1. The current process that is underway is the 2024 season with the 2024 car. In parallel with that, you have the 2025 car project. That is being developed in the factory. He no longer interferes with that and is no longer allowed in the meetings. So there you have it. He is already on gardening leave,” says Doornbos.

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Retirement or transfer to another team?

Gardening leave is of course only relevant if Newey decides to work for another team. The entry point is of course crucial for this. From 2026 onwards, a new era of Formula 1 will begin and a team that wants to bring in Newey will of course also want to immediately benefit from his knowledge. It therefore seems to be crucial for the competition and there are hints at Ferrari to have the designer work next year on the cars that will be used the following year.

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