Adrian Newey did more to shape modern Formula 1 than anything else. Photo: Mark Thompson/Getty Images
The whispers around Adrian Newey that concern is nothing new. As soon as the Christian Horner controversy first broke out in early February, speculation arose regarding the outstanding Formula 1 designer and, in particular, which side of the fence he stood on.
Newey said nothing then. And the fact that the 65-year-old has remained silent since then, refusing to support Horner or reaffirm his commitment to the team, naturally only fanned the flames (and there were many willing to fan them, given Horner's enemies inside and outside the team).
In a sense, this silence was quite predictable. Newey is not by nature a person who likes confrontation or team politics. And his decision to go with Horner to the races and talk to him publicly at the races suggests, at the very least, that they did not have a serious quarrel.
But if the reports he has now said are true, the team, due to his desire to leave, represents a huge development for Formula 1, as well as a significant blow to the solar plexus for Horner personally.
The truth is that from the point of view of the engineering mind, Newey is rightfully considered a genius.
He shaped the entire modern era of Grand Prix racing. Cars designed by Newey have won more than 200 Grands Prix and 13 constructors' titles, starting with his first super-dominant Williams-Renault FW14B in 1992, which brought Nigel Mansell to fame.
It's true that he's bigger not as involved in the daily life of Formula 1 as before. Just last autumn Telegraph Sport had a fascinating chat with Newey and Red Bull technical director Pierre Vache about their roles and how it works these days.
Newey admitted he probably spent “about 50 per cent” of his time in Formula One. “I guess I'm a bit of a maverick because… I've managed to get to a point where they [the Formula 1 engineering team] can operate procedurally without me, which allows me to be pampered enough to be able to participate in whatever area I want.” I want.”
These areas include the America's Cup with Alinga. And MotoGP. Newey even had a hand in the design of the submarine, a project commissioned by late Red Bull co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz, who died last year. But it's the RB17 supercar that has dominated Newey most recently. This is his big passion project, and one of the main reasons he has a hard time imagining leaving right now. The first prototype should appear later this year.
But in Formula 1 you can never rule anything out. Newey can earn a fabulous salary of around £15 million a year, set his own hours, live part-time in South Africa and spend less time in Formula One.
But if it's true that he's worried – and it seems to be the politics, the power struggles behind the scenes at Red Bull and all the uncertainty that upsets him the most – there are some very rich people. there are teams that would be very happy to throw money at him to entice him to defect – to see if he still has it. With 2026 regulations approaching, Newey is the best in the business with a blank canvas.
Could he really take on Ferrari, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Audi or perhaps even return to McLaren – teaming up with Rob Marshall again – another thing. Red Bull's statement made it clear that they will aim to keep him under contract. If he did try to force him to move, it would surely be the gardening leave to end all gardening. By the time he goes somewhere, he might be close to 70.
But even if he tried, it would be a huge amount. Horner will lose a key ally who will fight to keep his job, as well as a brilliant brain.
Recent Comments