Red Bull’s chief technical officer, Newey, recently extended his contract with the Milton Keynes team, where he has served since 2006, according to an announcement by F1 Flow.com in May. However, the length of this latest agreement for the 64-year-old has not been divulged.
At the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix, Newey stood alongside Max Verstappen on the podium, marking Red Bull’s 100th championship win. It was also the 200th victory for a car designed by Newey. The wins for the 2008 Toro Rosso STR3 and the 1997 McLaren MP4/12, where Newey’s involvement may be debatable, have been omitted from this count, but his influence on the 1997 Williams FW19 is acknowledged.
Despite having designed 13 championship-winning cars, Newey states that the real success for him was the realization of his childhood “dream” of becoming a paid F1 designer.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Newey reflected, “The journey has been fantastic. Ever since I was a child, my dream was to be in engineering and motor racing. Receiving my first paycheck for a job in motor racing was the defining moment for me. Everything else has been a bonus.”
Newey specifically highlighted his first race win, achieved when Nigel Mansell clinched the victory for Williams at the 1991 Mexican GP, and the nail-biting, end-of-season title deciders as the pinnacles of his career.
“They’re all uniquely significant,” he continued. “But the most memorable ones are my first victory in Mexico, and the races where the championship has been a last-minute decision. These would be the Abu Dhabi race between Sebastian [Vettel] and Fernando [Alonso, 2010], and then Max against Lewis [Hamilton, 2021].”
When queried about his eventual departure from F1, Newey admitted that while he has no imminent retirement plans and continues to find joy in his work at Red Bull, he acknowledges that his F1 retirement is “realistically” approaching.
Newey added: “I feel fortunate to be doing what I have always wanted and enjoy. I’ve cherished it. My career obviously cannot last forever, so as long as the team needs me and I continue to find joy in it, I’ll carry on. But the countdown to retirement is, realistically, underway. As for the exact timing, I cannot predict.”
Further reportage provided by Sam Hall
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Adrian Newey F1 Retirement
Has Adrian Newey extended his contract with Red Bull?
Yes, Newey has recently extended his contract with the Milton Keynes team, Red Bull Racing. However, the duration of this new agreement has not been disclosed.
What was Adrian Newey’s childhood dream?
Adrian Newey’s childhood dream was to become a paid F1 designer. He sees all his achievements and success as a bonus beyond the fulfillment of this initial dream.
What did Newey consider his career highlights?
Newey considered his first race victory, when Nigel Mansell won for Williams at the 1991 Mexican Grand Prix, and end-of-season title deciders as his career highlights.
Is Adrian Newey planning to retire from F1?
Adrian Newey has acknowledged that his retirement from F1 is “realistically” approaching, despite having no immediate plans to retire and continuing to find joy in his work.
How many championship-winning cars has Newey designed?
Newey has designed 13 cars that have won championships. His designs have contributed to 200 victories, including the 100th championship win for Red Bull.
More about Adrian Newey F1 Retirement
- Adrian Newey’s Career Highlights
- Red Bull Racing Team
- Max Verstappen’s 2023 Canadian Grand Prix Win
- F1 Flow’s Announcement on Newey’s Contract Extension
- Detailed Discussion on Newey’s Impact in F1
5 comments
Newey’s designs have always been masterful, even the ones that didn’t get the podium. Will b missed in the F1 world for sure. Can’t wait to c what he does next tho.
newey’s been a powerhouse in F1! Who’s gonna fill his shoes at Red Bull tho? Big boots to fill I say.
Wow, can’t believe Newey might be hanging up the helmet soon. end of an era for sure… dude’s a legend in F1!
Seriously, Newey retiring? That’s hard to imagine. But, the man’s earned it… here’s to a well-deserved rest!
Adrian Newey, what an icon! 13 championship winning cars!!? thats insane. Respect. But every1 has to retire sometime. 🙁