Eddie Jordan has decisively informed Red Bull that it’s too late to persuade Adrian Newey to stay, as the F1 design mastermind is set to leave amid the team’s fluctuating performance in 2024.
In May, Red Bull confirmed the impending departure of Adrian Newey, an architect of their success that included drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. This announcement coincided with Red Bull’s dominance in the early 2024 F1 season, as they secured four victories in the first five races, three of which were spectacular one-two finishes with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. However, since the news of Newey’s exit, the team has struggled to maintain their winning momentum, managing only three wins in the subsequent eight races.
Red Bull’s recent challenges highlighted at the Monaco Grand Prix, where they faced difficulties over bumps and kerbs, spurred the team into action. An extensive upgrade package was unveiled for the Hungarian Grand Prix, targeting enhanced performance at high-downforce circuits. Still, Max Verstappen voiced his frustration in Budapest over the car’s handling and strategic decisions, culminating in a fifth-place finish. With their lead in the Constructors’ Championship reduced, Red Bull holds a tenuous 51-point edge over a resurgent McLaren as the Belgian Grand Prix looms.
Eddie Jordan, who facilitated Newey’s exit terms, pointed out on a podcast that while Red Bull may aspire for Newey to reconsider, the window for that has certainly closed. Newey’s contract allows him to begin with a new team in 2025, bypassing typical gardening leave practices. Jordan highlighted, “The reality is Adrian is taking some downtime for himself.” Newey has been relishing personal moments, such as his daughter Imogen’s wedding, experiences he’s missed due to his lifelong motorsport commitments.
Rumors swirl about Newey’s next venture, with Aston Martin emerging as a strong contender for his talents while Ferrari’s chances appear to be dwindling. There’s skepticism over a McLaren move as well. David Coulthard’s recent assertions of a “very senior source” suggesting Newey won’t head to Ferrari were dismissed by Jordan as “fanciful.” Until Newey makes his choice, speculation remains rampant regarding his future in F1.
Adrian Newey’s departure marks a significant turning point for Red Bull, as they navigate ongoing performance challenges without their key design figure. With Newey’s future hanging in the balance, the F1 world keenly awaits his next move.
