F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey’s Departure from Red Bull at an Advanced Stage As John Elkann’s Meeting with Oliver Mintzlaff Adds Fuel to Fire

The off-track Formula 1 drama has upset the entire grid dynamics over the past two months. First Lewis Hamilton refracted and joined Ferrari soon after extending with Mercedes. Then the Christian Horner drama affected the entire Red Bull team as every key personnel in the team started getting linked with a move. Adrian Newey was among the many who were speculated to head out of the Red Bull garage. Many believed Newey would leave if Horner did. Some thought he would retire, whereas others predicted Mercedes would try to poach him. However, as it is turning out, Ferrari is going for round two of blockbuster signings in 2024 for 2025.

It is no secret that Newey is the most sought-after engineer on the grid with his cars winning a combined 12 constructors’ titles with three different teams, and 13 drivers’ titles with seven different pilots. Going by how the season is progressing, by the end of 2024 he would’ve added one each to his tally. However, post 2024 is where our focus is, especially with reports linking him to Ferrari started emerging.

Now, according to reports by Italian news outlet FUnoAnalisiTecnica, as highlighted on X, the genius British engineer’s talks about a potential switch to Ferrari are in full swing. Ferrari chairman John Elkaan reportedly had a meeting with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff in the paddock during the Saudi Arabian GP weekend. The future of Adrian Newey was likely to be part of the agenda of the meeting between the two company heads.

Reports further state that another meeting is also scheduled and the mediation to convince Newey to embark on a new adventure is in advanced stages. This could very well mean an end to yet another successful relationship in Newey’s life as he moves on to redder pastures.

For the first time in their storied careers, we will witness the two F1 powerhouses of Lewis Hamilton and Adrian Newey collaborate, and that too at Ferrari. An exciting thought that might become reality the third time of trying.

Adrian Newey reveals his earlier contact with Ferrari

Who knew Sebastian Vettel‘s Ferrari saying would apply to Adrian Newey as well? However, being fascinated by something is one thing, and uprooting your life and moving to a town in Italy for your fascination is another. This is exactly what Newey will have to do as Ferrari is still based in Maranello and will be for the foreseeable future.

Perhaps this is what has kept Newey from becoming a part of Ferrari, as he’s had an opportunity three times. He revealed that in a podcast. “Ferrari is a magical brand. In all honesty, anyone would be attracted and tempted to be a part of it if the opportunity presented itself. Personally, I’ve been close three times,” said Newey. (Translated via Google)

However, in the fourth time of asking, we might just see him make the switch and add his touch of brilliance to the Ferrari legacy. The 2025 season is already shaping up to be the most exciting one in ages.

Read More: “He [Adrian Newey] Would Just Retire”: Ex-Ferrari Boss Hints at Awful Domino Effect of Christian Horner Investigation