German medium comes with big news: ‘Newey will soon announce his departure from Red Bull’

The German Auto, Motor, und Sport has made a big splash with the news that Adrian Newey will announce his departure from Red Bull Racing at very short notice. Although the usually well-informed German medium believes it is certain that Newey wants to transfer, it is not yet clear when exactly Newey will leave and to which team he will move.

According to German AMuS it is only a matter of time before the news is made public. ‘This is the next bombshell on the Formula 1 transfer market. After Lewis Hamilton announced he is moving to Ferrari, the focus is now on master designer Adrian Newey. The 65-year-old Englishman will soon announce his departure. Newey has been working at Red Bull Racing since 2006. Journalist Tobi Grüner indicates that he understands from his sources that a departure will be announced soon.

Power struggle and budget ceiling

“Newey would not be happy with the power struggle in the team and does not want to be completely pushed into the RB17 hypercar project,” writes Michael Schmidt, who previously reported that Red Bull is increasingly struggling after the wage increases, given the recent successes would have to stay under the budget ceiling, after which it considered letting Newey focus entirely on other projects. The Brit would not be happy about that. ‘The heart of the purebred engineer is still with Formula 1.’

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While Frans Verschuur previously said that Newey’s value at Red Bull is limited, Schmidt doubts that. ‘Even though Newey no longer designs every screw of the car on his beloved drawing board, he is still the brilliant mind behind the concept of all seven of the team’s world champion cars. However, the question is when Newey will be allowed to leave Red Bull. His contract officially runs until the end of 2025, and then the RB17 should also be ready. The first sales of the sports car have already been discussed with customers. Newey is rumored to want to be released by the end of 2024.”

Where is Newey going?

‘The mastermind is just as sought after in the transfer market as the best drivers. In terms of salary, he also falls in the same category. He receives a salary of around £10m every year. The rumors about Newey’s departure are not new. That’s why the man who designed title-winning cars for Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull is getting plenty of interest. Experts expect him to go to Ferrari,” he said Auto, Motor, und Sport. ‘Newey was recently at Bologna airport (near Maranello, ed.). If that were true, Frédéric Vasseur could form a super team with Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Newey.’

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The other two contenders are Aston Martin and Mercedes. Aston Martin is said to have made Newey an extreme offer thanks to its wealthy title sponsor, Aramco, while Mercedes also hopes to have a chance at Verstappen’s signature with Newey. ‘Aston Martin was already in discussions with Newey. This would have the advantage for the Englishman that he could continue to work in England. However, Newey now already has a second home in South Africa, and already works partly remotely at Red Bull.’

“Mercedes has kept a low profile regarding Newey,” continues Auto, Motor, und Sport. ‘The former world champions could really use someone like Newey. No one understands the ground effect rules better than Newey, and it is precisely that point where things seem to be going wrong for Mercedes. Newey can be the key piece in convincing Max Verstappen to switch to Mercedes, although Toto Wolff is said to have his doubts for the time being. He fears that such an icon could also cause unrest in his team.’

Wolff has lately been mainly concerned with getting Verstappen, at least in the media. During the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, the Austrian was asked whether he thinks there is any chance that he can sign Verstappen for next year. The Mercedes team boss then said: ‘If I answer that, I will destroy my entire strategy.’ This may indicate that Wolff is working on a bigger plan.

Long-term choice

Given Newey’s contract, until 2025, the Brit will be of little use to Red Bull’s opponents until the new regulations. ‘Newey cannot provide added value until the 2026 season, but that is a crucial year. There will be new engines, but also new chassis. Newey has often proven that his skills and expertise are worth a lot when everyone has to start with a blank sheet of paper.

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