Adrian Newey set for talks with Red Bull over F1 future after exit reports

Adrian Newey is scheduled to have discussions with the management of Red Bull in order to sort out his future with the team. This comes after reports that he has stated his wish to depart are circulating.

As per The Guardian's sources, Red Bull's main technical officer has not yet officially given notice for his resignation or informed his colleagues about his departure. Those familiar with the matter say that the news came as a shock both to Adrian Newey and the rest of the team on Thursday.

Up until now, the individual who is 65 years old has not given their opinion, and Red Bull has only declared that they have a commitment with that person until the conclusion of 2025. Additionally, they have no knowledge of that individual joining another team.

According to reports, Newey - who is considered the most triumphant Formula One car maker of recent times - has expressed his desire to end his tenure with the team after nearly two decades. He joined the team back in 2006 but has reportedly been unsatisfied with his position in the team. Moreover, he has expressed unease with the controversy surrounding the team principal, Christian Horner, who has been accused of misconduct towards a female staff member.

Horner, who has consistently claimed innocence, had accusations against him dismissed by an impartial investigation. However, the person who filed the complaint has contested the decision. This dispute is seen as a component of a broader power struggle within Red Bull. Additionally, the disclosures about Newey could also be viewed as another tactic to undermine Horner's position.

It would be a major setback for Red Bull if Newey decided to depart from the team, given that his designs have contributed to the attainment of seven drivers' championships and six constructors' titles. This could possibly lead to Max Verstappen, the current world champion, to ponder over his future with the team, which is already in doubt.

Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Mercedes are all competing to recruit Newey if he decides to leave. However, it won't be easy as Red Bull has confirmed that he is under contract with them until 2025. If there are any gardening leave clauses in his contract, this could mean that he won't be able to start working with another team until 2027. This would mean that he wouldn't have control over designing a car until the 2028 model, which is two years after the new regulations take effect in 2026.

During the preparations for the Miami GP, there was a development regarding the British racer Oliver Bearman's aspiration to join F1 in the upcoming season. Sauber declared that they have acquired Nico Hülkenberg from Haas, vacating a driver's position that Bearman could potentially fill. Bearman is associated with Ferrari and currently serves as a backup driver for Haas. Given their relationship with Ferrari, Haas may aim to provide him with a chance to race and gain exposure with their team.

Bearman put on an extraordinary performance when he replaced Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian GP this season. Despite being just 18 years old, he debuted in F1 as the youngest British driver and managed to secure seventh place, despite only getting his first drive in the car during practice at Jeddah.