Newey reacts as Red Bull F1 departure confirmed

Adrian Newey has highlighted he will “seek new challenges” after his exit from the Red Bull Formula 1 team was officially confirmed.

Red Bull announced on Wednesday morning that the renowned car designer would leave the reigning world champions in the first quarter of 2025.

Newey has built multiple championship-winning cars with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, including the 2023 RB19 which stands as the most dominant car in F1 history with a 95.5 per cent win rate.

The whereabouts of Newey's next career move are yet unknown, however, he has been linked with moves to Ferrari and Aston Martin, while retirement could also be an option.

Reflecting on his term with Red Bull, Newey highlighted: “Ever since I was a young boy, I wanted to be a designer of fast cars.

“My dream was to be an engineer in Formula 1, and I’ve been lucky enough to make that dream a reality. For almost two decades it has been my great honour to have played a key role in Red Bull Racing’s progress from upstart newcomer to multiple title-winning team.

“However, I feel now is an opportune moment to hand that baton over to others and to seek new challenges for myself.”

Newey thanks Red Bull

Newey will continue to work on the RB17 hypercar project with Red Bull until its completion and attend a handful of F1 races with the team this year.

Having spent the last 19 years working with the energy drink-backed squad, Newey offered a word of thanks to his soon-to-be former colleagues.

“In the interim, the final stages of development of RB17 are upon us, so for the remainder of my time with the team my focus will lie there,” Newey added.

“I would like to thank the many amazing people I have worked with at Red Bull in our journey over the last 18 years for their talent, dedication and hard work.

“It has been a real privilege, and I am confident that the engineering team are well prepared for the work going into the final evolution of the car under the four-year period of this regulation set.

“On a personal note, I would also like to thank the shareholders, the late Dietrich Mateschitz, Mark Mateschitz and Chalerm Yoovidhya for their unwavering support during my time at Red Bull, and Christian [Horner], who has not only been my business partner but also a friend of our respective families.

“Also, thanks to Oliver Mintzlaff for his stewardship and Eddie Jordan, my close friend and manager."