Although an official confirmation from Red Bull has not yet arrived Departure time by Adrian Newey now seems certain. After 19 years of honorable service, Red Bull and Newey are about to part ways. News that would not be surprising, especially after the explosion of the power struggle in Red Bull, which would have led the super designer to move away from Milton Keynes. If this farewell seems certain, there is still no news on the possible destination of Adrian Newey contested by Aston Martin and Ferrari. Nor the timing of his arrival considering that Newey is still tied to Red Bull with a contract until 2025. Furthermore, the mandatory Gardening period should be considered. If conditions do not change, the interested teams will have to wait for Newey until at least 2027.
Newey could even arrive in 2028
Aston Martin or Ferrari? Head or heart? Newey's arrival in both cases would bring about big changes. In Aston Martin he would find Dan Fallows, his student who joined the team in 2022. Like him, other men from Red Bull have arrived in the last two years. Fruit of the investments of Lawrence Stroll, intent on taking Aston Martin to the top. A pharaonic salary, the proximity between Silverstone and Milton Keynes, the renewal of Alonso, are just some of the reasons that could lead Newey to accept the team's offer. On the other side there is the heart, the challenge of challenges. Bringing a world championship back to Maranello, closing that circle that has never closed. And maybe even do it with a 7-time world champion like Lewis Hamilton.
The decision is up to Adrian alone, who however may have to wait a long time before arriving at the new destination. According to a report Motorsport, Adrian Newey could be stuck until 2027, unless an agreement is reached for his early release. The first fruits of his work could therefore be seen in 2028, 2 years after the start of the new regulatory cycle.
This scenario was also partly confirmed by Red Bull's response to the news of a possible farewell for Newey. The Austrian team has in fact reiterated that Newey is under contract until 2025. "Adrian Newey is under contract until at least the end of 2025 and we are not aware of his arrival at other teams".
The only way Newey could shorten the deadline would be to reach an agreement between the interested parties, in this case between himself, Red Bull and Ferrari or Aston Martin. Although Red Bull is covered, leaving Newey a more marginal role by betting everything on Pierre Waché and Enrico Balbo for the post-Newey, it is clear that they would not want to give an advantage to the competition.
However, the pressure to get ahead of the curve is great, also because Newey could very well afford to retire. Even in this case it will be a race against time.
