Adrian Newey to leave Red Bull in 2025: What’s next for the legendary Formula 1 designer?

Legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey is set to leave Red Bull in the first quarter of 2025, the team has confirmed. Newey, who has been with Red Bull since 2006 and played a key role in designing the cars that have led the team to all 13 of their world titles, will not have to serve a period of gardening leave, allowing him to join another Formula 1 team to help design their 2026 car.

Several teams have been linked with moves for Newey, with Ferrari appearing to be the favorites to sign him, especially with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton joining them in 2025. Sky Sports News reported last week that Newey had informally expressed his desire to leave the team, and Red Bull confirmed that he will immediately step back from his Formula 1 design duties to focus on the final development and delivery of Red Bull’s first hypercar, the RB17.

The news of Newey’s departure has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, with Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft calling it a “huge, huge story.” Ex-Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins expressed concern about how Red Bull might perform from 2026 onwards without Newey’s expertise.

Despite the success Red Bull has enjoyed under Newey’s leadership, tensions between him and team principal Christian Horner have reportedly cooled. Horner has expressed confidence that the team has prepared for Newey’s departure and has compared the situation to Manchester United remaining successful after the departure of star player Eric Cantona.

As the Formula 1 world awaits Newey’s next move, the departure of the legendary designer marks the end of an era at Red Bull and raises questions about the team’s future performance without his influence.