Adrian Newey to Lead 2015 Red Bull F1 Car Design Before Stepping Back
Red Bull Racing confirmed Adrian Newey will oversee the 2015 Formula One car’s design before moving into a new advisory and advanced projects role.
Adrian Newey will remain in charge of Red Bull Racing’s 2015 Formula One car design, the team confirmed following speculation about his future involvement. The news comes after Red Bull announced Newey would step back from day-to-day technical leadership to focus on new projects beyond F1, but he will oversee the initial concept and development of next year’s car before transitioning to an advisory role.
Newey’s future at Red Bull had been the subject of intense speculation, with reports linking him to rival teams such as Ferrari. To retain his services, Red Bull has agreed to set up an Advanced Technologies Centre, allowing Newey to pursue design interests outside Formula One while remaining available to the racing team. The new centre is not yet operational, so Newey continues as technical director for the time being.
Transition to advisory role after 2015 car
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner confirmed that Newey is responsible for the 2015 car’s design, ensuring continuity as the team prepares for the next season. Newey himself said he will remain “fully involved in the coming months” and will lead the initial concept and layout for the 2015 chassis. Once the main direction is established, Red Bull’s technical team will take over the project, with Newey available in an advisory capacity.
Newey has voiced frustration with Formula One’s increasingly restrictive technical regulations, suggesting that the lack of engineering freedom influenced his decision to step back from the sport’s front line. While he is not leaving Red Bull or Formula One entirely, his focus will shift to broader design projects once the 2015 car is underway.
Impact on Red Bull and Formula One
Newey’s partial withdrawal will test Red Bull’s technical structure, as the team must adapt to life without his daily involvement. The move also highlights the challenge Formula One faces in retaining top engineering talent under restrictive rules. Red Bull’s decision to keep Newey involved in both F1 and advanced projects is a strategic effort to maintain its competitive edge and prevent rivals from poaching one of the sport’s most influential designers.
The 2015 Red Bull car will be the last to carry Newey’s direct imprint before the team’s next generation of engineers steps up. His ongoing advisory role and the new technology centre are intended to ensure a smooth transition and continued innovation within the organisation.
For more on F1 team strategies for 2015, seeBoullier dismisses speculation over third F1 cars for 2015.
