Adrian Newey’s lawyers are reportedly working to find a way around a clause in his Red Bull contract that would prevent him joining another team until 2027. Newey is said to have decided that he wants to leave Red Bull after growing tired of the internal politics within the team.
Newey, who is arguably the greatest technical mastermind in F1 history, has designed Red Bull’s cars since joining the team in 2005. However, he is said to be unsettled in light of the saga involving Christian Horner, who was recently cleared over allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.
The 65-year-old is thought to be tied down to Red Bull until the end of 2025, having signed a contract extension last May. However, reports have suggested that a clause in his contract may stop him joining another team until 2027, which would effectively minimise his input until 2028.
According to BBC Sport, lawyers representing Newey are working to get rid of the clause after entering talks with Red Bull to negotiate his exit. High-level sources close to Newey and Red Bull are reportedly expecting the clause to be removed, meaning he will be free to start work for another team in 2025.
The report adds that Red Bull could be at risk of losing a number of other senior figures, who are believed to be frustrated over the Horner saga. Questions have also been raised about the future of Max Verstappen, who is under contract until 2028 but has been openly courted by Mercedes.
It remains to be seen where Newey will end up next, with Ferrari, Aston Martin and Mercedes thought to be keen on bringing him in. Aston Martin are known to have already submitted a lucrative offer to Newey at the request of team owner Lawrence Stroll, but it is unclear if the proposal still stands.
Ferrari have also been put forward as a potential destination for Newey after making several failed attempts to secure his services in the past. The Red Bull design chief has previously expressed an interest in teaming up with Lewis Hamilton, a dream which could become a reality if Ferrari come calling in the near future.
Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast last year, Newey admitted that he regretted not working with Hamilton earlier in his career. He said: “It would have been fabulous but it never happened. It’s just circumstance sometimes. That’s the way it is.”
