Two leading Formula 1 teams have downplayed explosive new rumours that Adrian Newey might leave Red Bull Racing.
Multiple authoritative outlets from De Telegraaf in the Netherlands to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport and Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport, along with numerous other expert sources, have strongly suggested that the prominent designer Newey, aged 65, has told Red Bull he is leaving.
These reports indicate that the British technical genius, reportedly earning around $10 million yearly at Red Bull, is frustrated with the internal conflicts and issues surrounding Christian Horner.
Furthermore, with a lucrative proposal from Aston Martin and persistent rumours of a potential shift to Ferrari, Newey is reportedly discontent with being marginalized in Red Bull's RB17 hypercar initiative.
According to Paolo Filisetti, a correspondent for La Gazzetta, Aston Martin has made a tempting offer to Newey, estimated at an eye-watering total of $100 million.
Nevertheless, a Red Bull spokesperson informed Agence France-Presse: "Adrian is under contract until at least the end of 2025 and we are not aware of him joining another team."
Speculation persists that Newey might opt to not engage in any activities for the entirety of 2025 and might even then require an additional year of enforced 'gardening leave' post-contract.
The speculation around Newey intensified recently when he was seen at Ferrari's Mugello circuit engaging in a track day with high-performance vehicles.
Ferrari's team leader, Frederic Vasseur, humorously dismissed the speculation: "If everyone who tests at Mugello sign with Ferrari, we'll have to buy a bus to bring them to us."
In discussing the rumours on the F1 aan Tafel program, the notable Dutch motorsport expert Frans Verschuur stated: "Adrian is only at Red Bull in name only."
"If Red Bull lets him go, they will at least save on wages. (Pierre) Wache is the man who actually builds the car, not Newey," he added.
"His time has also passed," Verschuur remarked. "Just as I think (Lewis) Hamilton's time has passed."
