It was a day of nostalgia and emotion for Adrian Newey as he revisited a piece of Formula 1 history at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driving the legendary Ferrari 312T once piloted by Niki Lauda.
Adrian Newey, known for his cutting-edge designs at Red Bull, found himself in a unique position at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. While fans were eager to hear him discuss the latest Red Bull hypercar, Newey took a detour through time when he stepped into the Ferrari 312T. This was no ordinary Ferrari; it was the car that enabled Niki Lauda to clinch his World Championship, marking one of the most significant achievements in Formula 1 history.
For Newey, who shared a personal connection with Lauda, the experience was particularly poignant. “To drive Niki’s old car, his Championship-winning car, is so special,” Newey expressed. As he sat where Lauda once sat, he couldn’t help but wonder about Lauda’s mental preparations before races. Newey’s drive was part of a series of tributes to the late Lauda, a testament to the enduring legacy of the legendary driver.
Reflecting on the past, Newey explained how the engineering of that era inspired him. Despite limited resources and basic technology, the creativity and instinct that guided those early designs fascinated him. “The design part was done primarily on gut instinct,” he noted, indicating a strong admiration for the ingenuity of that time.
Meanwhile, Newey’s present-day focus is the Red Bull RB17, a hypercar unveiled at Goodwood. The car, a technical marvel, integrates many of Newey’s famous innovations from his illustrious career, including active suspension and blown exhausts. With a V10 engine and an electric motor, the RB17 promises a thrilling combination of power and efficiency, all packaged in a lightweight carbon composite tub.
Adrian Newey’s journey at Goodwood was more than just a drive; it was a heartfelt tribute to a friend and a celebration of engineering evolution. The experience highlighted not only the advances in automotive technology but also the timeless impact of motorsport legends like Niki Lauda.
