The legendary designer’s legal team Formula 1, Adrian Neweyis negotiating with Red Bull an early exit from his contract, valid until the end of 2025, allowing the Briton to join a new team in time for the 2026 season, when the category’s new regulations will be introduced.
The information, released by BBC journalist Andrew Benson, comes amid expectations of an imminent statement from Red Bull confirming Newey’s departure from the team. As determined by Motorsport.comthe announcement should be made before this weekend’s Miami GP.
As previously reported, in addition to the contract valid until the end of 2025, Newey also has a stipulated 12-month quarantine period, so that he cannot take Red Bull’s main secrets to a rival team. This would prevent you from starting in a new home before the beginning of 2027.
Therefore, his team of lawyers is involved in a tough negotiation with Red Bull to have him immediately released from his contract, which would allow him to start at the new team in time to work on the 2026 car.
A decisive factor is said to have been the breakdown of the relationship with team boss Christian Horner following the power struggle that occurred earlier in the year following accusations made against him by a female employee.
This followed previous tensions, including an interview published late last year where Horner said Newey’s role had changed and that “the technical team under him, led by Pierre Wache, are doing a wonderful job of not being dependent on Adrian.”
It is not known what Newey will do after Red Bull – although there appear to be five clear options: Mercedes, Aston Martin, McLaren, Ferrari or a move away from F1 altogether.
One argument against Mercedes is that Newey apparently believes it would take too long to set the course needed to get the team back on the winning track.
Lawrence Stroll is shaking his checkbook for Aston Martin and Dan Fallows, a long-time colleague of Newey’s at Red Bull, is already there. However, Newey has earned enough money in his career. For him, it’s about doing things he enjoys.
This leaves Ferrari in a good position. It’s no secret that they want him there, but the key question is whether or not he would like a turnaround in his life by moving to Maranello and dealing with the political environment within the team.
