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Adrian Newey

Williams make Red Bull dig in talks with Newey

Williams has engaged in conversations with renowned car designer Adrian Newey after the Briton confirmed he will be leaving Red Bull in early 2025.

Vowles
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Williams team principal James Vowles has stated Adrian Newey's potential role at the squad would involve “no politics”.

Newey will leave Red Bull in the first quarter of 2025, bringing the curtain down on a 19-year stint with the Milton Keynes-based squad.

Several parties are expected to be interested in Newey's services due to the strong reputation the 65-year-old has fashioned during his time in F1, as he is widely viewed as one of the sport's greatest car designers.

Newey's exit from Red Bull comes after a turbulent start to the campaign at the team with a power struggle emerging between the Thai and Austrian owners despite the car's strong on-track performance.

Williams has engaged in talks with Newey and insisted its squad is free from such circumstances.

“It was a light conversation more than anything else, saying it can't have been an easy decision and fundamentally wanting just to have an additional chat about things,” Vowles told media including RacingNews365.

“But from a Williams perspective, obviously, that's where Adrian really cut his teeth for the first time. And I think we're a team without politics.”

Williams hopeful Newey will aid revival

Newey's first world championship came at Williams in 1992 with Nigel Mansell and the famous FW14B car.

In addition to already having a history with the team, Vowles highlighted that Newey could also be swayed by the challenge of aiding its recovery up the F1 pecking order.

“It’s a small team that's trying to make our way back to the front,” he said. “I think it could fit very perfectly for someone that wants to potentially dig into a challenge like that.

“More than that, I mean, what is great about Williams is that it has retained the family feel to it. We're not driven by an OEM. We're driven by just a group of individuals that want to be there.

“It’s all about really racing. And hopefully some of that plays to his strengths.

“Then finally with Adrian, you have someone with his accolades, with his touch. There's not a team he hasn't been to – and that includes McLaren, ourselves, Red Bull – where he hasn't made a significant difference.

“I think anyone here would be foolish not to at least open some conversation with him at that stage."

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