Newey to Ferrari? Rumours Intensify as Rift with Horner Grows
One of the biggest shakeups in recent Formula 1 memory could be brewing. As tensions simmer at Red Bull Racing, whispers grow louder that Adrian Newey the sport’s most legendary car designer might be eyeing a sensational move to Ferrari. Could a broken friendship with Christian Horner be the final push?
Cracks at Red Bull: Trouble Behind Dominance
From the outside, Red Bull Racing is enjoying an era of dominance. With Max Verstappen leading the charge and the RB20 proving to be another technical masterpiece, it seems like the team is unstoppable.
But behind the scenes, turbulence is growing.
Recent controversies surrounding team principal Christian Horner have rocked the paddock, and although Horner was officially cleared of wrongdoing following internal investigations, the damage may have already been done especially in his relationships with key figures in the team.
Chief among them? Adrian Newey.
The Newey–Horner Relationship: From Bond to Break
For nearly two decades, Christian Horner and Adrian Newey formed one of the most powerful duos in Formula 1. Their collaboration birthed multiple title-winning machines and defined Red Bull’s legacy in the sport.
But 2024 has brought new tensions. Sources close to the team suggest Newey has grown increasingly disillusioned not just with recent internal politics, but with the overall direction of Red Bull’s leadership. The Horner controversy may have simply pulled the curtain back on deeper frustrations.
There’s talk of a breakdown in trust. According to insiders, Newey has distanced himself from Horner, skipping key meetings and quietly stepping back from his usual leadership role at the Red Bull Technology Campus.
For a man known to follow his gut and prioritize passion over politics, a departure suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
Enter Ferrari: The Long Courtship Rekindled
Ferrari has pursued Adrian Newey multiple times over the years. Each time, he declined citing either personal reasons or confidence in his existing projects.
But now, the stars might finally be aligning.
Ferrari, under the leadership of Fred Vasseur and with a revitalized driver lineup including Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton for 2025, is once again serious about reclaiming the top step. And they know what they need: Newey’s genius.
Reports from Italy suggest that Ferrari has renewed its offer with a lucrative multi-year contract that goes beyond the technical offering Newey creative freedom, legacy-building opportunities, and a central role in their long-term vision.
For a man who has conquered every challenge but never worn red, the temptation could finally be irresistible.
What Would Newey Bring to Ferrari?
Adrian Newey isn’t just a designer he’s a Formula 1 architect. His understanding of aerodynamics, chassis balance, and innovation is unmatched. Every car he’s had a hand in has won races. Most have won titles.
For Ferrari, Newey’s arrival would be more than a recruitment coup. It would be a signal: that they’re done playing catch-up. That the era of ‘almost’ is over.
With Lewis Hamilton arriving in 2025 and a strong infrastructure already in place, adding Newey to the mix could make Ferrari the most complete team on the grid.
Will He Really Leave?
There’s a saying in F1: “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” And right now, there’s a lot of smoke around Adrian Newey.
That said, Newey has always been a private figure. He rarely makes decisions quickly, and loyalty has long been a pillar of his career.
Still, Red Bull’s internal tensions, the allure of Ferrari, and the chance to write a final, historic chapter before retirement—all these factors are beginning to outweigh the comfort of familiarity.
What It Means for the Grid
If Newey does move to Ferrari, the ripple effects would be seismic.
Red Bull would lose the brain behind their era of dominance. Ferrari would gain their greatest technical asset in decades. And the driver market could shift further, as engineers, strategists, and sponsors realign around a changing power dynamic.
It would mark the end of an era and potentially the beginning of a new golden age in Maranello.
Conclusion: A Crossroads in F1
Adrian Newey stands at a crossroads. One path leads to continuity at Red Bull with all its recent baggage. The other leads to Ferrari, a fresh challenge, and perhaps one last masterpiece before he rides into retirement.
One thing is certain: the paddock is watching, waiting, and speculating. And if Newey does make the leap, Formula 1 in 2025 could look very, very different.