Adrian Newey F1 News: James Vowles PITCHES for legend at Miami Grand Prix as bidding war heats up

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F1 boss PITCHES for Newey at Miami Grand Prix as bidding war heats up

With Adrian Newey leaving Red Bull, the F1 design genius is in-demand

Yara Elshebiny

Sunday 5 May 2024 11:57

The F1 paddock is abuzz with speculation after news broke that Adrian Newey would be leaving Red Bull in the first quarter of the 2025 season.

The recent bombshell news of Newey's departure from the Milton Keynes squad after almost two decades with the team has sent shockwaves through the F1 world.

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This, unsurprisingly, has sparked a feeding frenzy amongst the other teams on the grid, all desperate to secure the services of the most coveted designer in F1 history.

Reports also suggest that Newey won't be subject to gardening leave, allowing him to join a new team as early as next season if he were to continue in the sport.

While joining a new team in 2025 wouldn't affect their car for that season, his expertise would be instrumental in shaping their challenger in 2026 - a pivotal year with the sport's new regulations coming into play.

And while Ferrari are considered the frontrunners to land the F1 design genius, whispers of a potential reunion have emerged from an old stomping ground.

Adrian Newey has been a part of the Red Bull team since 2006

Adrian Newey won a total of 13 constructors and drivers championships (and counting) with Red Bull

Could a Newey and Williams reunion happen?

Newey's career in F1 blossomed at none other than Williams. Joining the Grove-based squad in 1990, Newey's designs became synonymous with blistering pace, propelling the team to a golden era.

They secured an incredible nine drivers' and constructors' championships during his tenure - a partnership that remains etched in F1 folklore.

However, his departure for McLaren in 1997 marked the end of an era for Williams, a loss that arguably continues to haunt the once-dominant team.

But with Newey's future now uncertain, Williams appear determined to reignite the magic.

Vowles highlighted what he believes could be a perfect fit for both parties.

"From a Williams perspective, obviously, that's where Adrian really cut his teeth for the first time," he explained to assembled press at the Miami Grand Prix.

"And I think we're a team without politics. It's a small team that's trying to make our way back to the front. And I think it could fit very perfectly for someone that wants to potentially dig into a challenge like that.

"What is great about Williams is that it has retained the family feel to it.

"We're not driven by an OEM. We're driven by just a group of individuals that want to be there. And it's all about really racing. And hopefully some of that plays to his strengths.

"And then finally with Adrian, you have someone with his accolades, with his touch. There's not a team he hasn't been to - and that includes McLaren, ourselves, Red Bull - where he hasn't made a significant difference. And I think anyone here would be foolish not to at least open some conversation with him at that stage."

While a return to Williams for 'one last dance' might be a storybook ending, it's just unrealistic at the moment as the team's current situation is far from ideal.

They've been stuck at the bottom of the standings for years, with their last win dating all the way back to 2011 with Pastor Maldonado, and their most recent podium finish was George Russell's second place at the rain-shortened Spa race in 2021.

With Lewis Hamilton's anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025, Newey now has a golden chance to fulfil his long-held dream of working with the two legendary names in the sport if he doesn't call time on his illustrious career.

F1 Red Bull Ferrari Aston Martin Adrian Newey