Red Bull say Newey is not going anywhere
Formula One’s greatest designer reportedly wants to leave amid Horner allegations
Red Bull said Formula One’s most sought after designer Adrian Newey was signed up until at least the end of next year amid reports he was seeking to leave the reigning champions.
A spokesman added they were “unaware of him joining any other team”.
The BBC reported, however, that the 65-year-old believed he could negotiate an exit to work for another team from next season.
Newey, whose cars have won 25 drivers’ and constructors’ championships for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, could not be immediately reached for comment.
The BBC and Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, who were first to report the story, said the Briton had told Red Bull he wanted to move on following allegations about team principal Christian Horner.
Horner was cleared in February of alleged misconduct towards a female employee, who has lodged an appeal against the outcome.
Red Bull are currently dominant with triple world champion Max Verstappen but Newey has been a regular target for top teams. He has been reluctant to leave England, where most of the teams are based.
Ferrari, who will have seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton joining them next season from Mercedes, and British-based Aston Martin have been named as possible future employers and have made overtures.
Hamilton joined McLaren in 2007, two years after Newey had moved to Red Bull. The designer’s 2023 car was the most dominant in the sport’s history with 21 wins from 22 races.
Mercedes, now struggling after a period of domination, have openly courted Verstappen as a possible replacement for Hamilton next season.
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.
Red Bull 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. F1 veteran Marko and the Verstappens are close.