Adrian Newey’s involvement in Red Bull’s quest for the Formula One title remains unchanged, Motorsport.com has learned – although wild rumors about his future emerged this week. The legendary Formula 1 designer has been an integral part of Red Bull’s recent success, working closely with technical director Piere Wache and his team on the progress of the new RB20 car.
And although Newey is not working full-time in Formula 1, as his role as Chief Technical Officer has been expanded to include other projects, he still devotes a lot of time to ensuring Red Bull reaches its full potential on the racetracks.
Newey was present at the season opener in Bahrain and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, but his planned absence from the next race in Australia is said to have fueled rumors that he may step away from some of his duties. There were even rumors that Red Bull wanted to use him exclusively for their RB17 hypercar project.
Adrian Newey: Only thought about resigning in 2014
It has been suggested that this may have to do with concerns over Formula 1’s budget cap and possible unrest over the political situation at the top of the team amid the power struggle for control of the Grand Prix team.
However, sources have suggested that any thought of Newey changing roles is far-fetched. His role remains unchanged and as work on the RB20 continues, he will return to the track as planned at next month’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Newey has long been surrounded by speculation about a possible end to his involvement in Formula 1, but remains as motivated as ever to continue to perform in the premier class. In a speech earlier this year, he said the only time he had ever considered retiring was in 2014, when Red Bull was at a major disadvantage with its power unit.
Newey: “Why would I want to leave?”
“I came to Red Bull [um ein technisches Team aufzubauen]”, he said. “It was a bit of a career risk, but I wanted to be part of the team’s development again from the beginning. After I was there from the beginning and with Christian [Horner] and Helmut [Marko] “I helped develop the team, why would I want to walk away from it?”
“The only time it was close was in 2014, and that was for completely different reasons. Back then we simply had a power unit that didn’t work, which of course happens. And the manufacturer [Renault] didn’t seem very willing at the highest levels to make the necessary investments to change that.”
“So you’re in a bit of a depressing position because as we all know, to win championships you need the three key factors of driver, chassis and engine – and if one of them is weak, you can’t win.”