One of the biggest free agents in Formula 1 history will soon be available after legendary designer Adrian Newey announced he's leaving Red Bull in early 2025.
While Lewis Hamilton's seismic move to Ferrari caused a massive stir earlier this year, the outcome of Newey's future will carry an even bigger impact. Let's break it all down:
Why will Newey be such an in-demand target?
Newey has become a larger-than-life figure in Formula 1 thanks to his expertise in aerodynamics. The British engineer, who can still be spotted on the grid before races with a pen and paper, has risen to such a mythical level that he's even been dubbed the man who can see air. Think of Newey as a doctor who can transform any ailing car into championship machinery.
There's nothing that increases a team's chances at winning championships more than having the 65-year-old onboard. All of Newey's teams have dominated. Since 1991, he's totaled 13 drivers' championships and 12 constructors' titles with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull.
Newey has also been a huge figure behind Red Bull and Max Verstappen's unprecedented run of success in the current ground-effect regulations. With the new 2026 engine regulations still expected to carry over the ground-effect-based chassis, Newey's proven track history and knowledge will make him a priceless addition.
Why is Newey leaving Red Bull?
The official reason is that he's ready to start seeking new challenges after 19 years with the team. But rumors suggest there's more under the surface.
Andrew Benson of BBC reported that Newey was unsettled by the situation at Red Bull, which included a power struggle, after team principal Christian Horner was accused of sexual harassment and coercive, abusive behavior by a female employee.
There were also previous tensions between the once great friends, Autosport's Christian Nimmervoll reports. Horner suggested in a December interview that Red Bull's engineering team isn't as dependent on Newey as in the past. Newey's wife, Amanda, called the remarks "a load of hogwash" on X. She also described a comment denying her husband's contributions to Red Bull's championship RB19 car and RB20 as "absolute bollocks."
While nothing has been confirmed, it doesn't seem hard to imagine Newey may have felt his contributions were being diminished. Add in an internal war for power that's made Red Bull the center of controversy, and departing seems understandable.
Who could sign Newey?
Every team should be gunning to sign Newey. But there are a few that make more sense than others.
Ferrari makes the most sense, though it's not like the Scuderia haven't tried to sign Newey before. He's been resistant to relocate to Italy, but perhaps the stars have finally aligned. With Fred Vasseur leading a resurgence in Maranello, Newey could help Ferrari end its title drought by helping design the 2026 car. He'll also get to join forces with Lewis Hamilton, who he's always dreamed of working with.
Aston Martin has also reportedly made an offer to Newey. There's no doubting that Lawrence Stroll has the money and backing to make the engineer a very lucrative offer. Newey also wouldn't need to relocate, and Aston Martin will link up with Honda for an engine partnership starting in 2026. The environment won't have the same corporate feel as with Ferrari and Mercedes, but there's been nothing to suggest that Newey has responded favorably to the rumored approach.
Other wild-card landing spots include Mercedes, which could desperately use Newey in its technical department, McLaren, and perhaps even Audi, which should be interested in accelerating its F1 learning curve when it enters the sport in 2026.
What does this mean for Red Bull's and Max Verstappen's future?
Newey's exit might foreshadow the end of Red Bull's domination, but that may have happened regardless of the upcoming 2026 engine regulations.
Red Bull should be fine for at least 2025 thanks to a strong engineering team that includes notable names such as Pierre Wache, Paul Monaghan, and Ben Waterhouse. Everything after that is a toss-up, especially with Red Bull creating its own power unit with the help of Ford.
The real issue for Red Bull is Newey's departure could cause a chain reaction that leads to other prominent members running for the exit. That puts all the attention back on Verstappen, who's constantly been linked to Mercedes.
Even prior to Newey's announcement, Verstappen was being courted by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. That should only intensify now. Though Mercedes doesn't appear to be in a position to offer Verstappen championship glory in 2025, the Brackley-based team can likely offer a better bet at producing a better engine in 2026. Wolff can also present an out for Verstappen, who's been caught in the midst of Red Bull's internal fighting. Though Verstappen is under contract through 2028, he can reportedly exercise an exit clause if senior advisor Helmut Marko leaves the team.
Would Verstappen sacrifice likely having the best car in 2025 for a chance at driving the best car in 2026? Perhaps it's more possible than previously thought. Sometimes, all it takes is one individual to take a leap of faith before the rest follow. If Newey's departure leads to a significant decrease in morale, maybe Verstappen figures it's best to leave one year too early than one year too late.