Rarely has an international federation or such an authoritative body been so concerned about the future of a person who is not even one of the athletes who puts his physique, skill and talent to the test every weekend. Yet he is a game changer almost unique in the history of sport. Aerospace engineer Adrian Newey (Stratford-upon-Avon, UK; 26 December 1958) has decided to end his relationship with Red Bull and much of the future of Formula 1 will depend on his next move.
He is not an influencer, nor is he an asset to be seen wearing his T-shirts or hats around the circuits. However, his cache is greater than that of the vast majority of Formula 1 drivers. His hands and imagination have sculpted cars that have gone on to win a total of 13 drivers’ and 12 constructors’ titles in the 38 seasons he has been in the Grand Circus. In 2010, when Ferrari was trying to beat Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull, Fernando Alonso already indicated that “at this moment we are fighting against Adrian Newey”, because he was aware of the weight that the British designer had in that dazzling comeback of the energetic car to end up taking the final victory.
Now they are pining for him at Ferrari -who seems the best placed-, Aston Martin -for whom he has designed a road-going supercar –Aston Martin Valkyrie– and Mercedes. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, sees his period of success coming to an end at Red Bull. “The team is in danger of falling apart. It’s important for internal peace that the key people are still on board, but that’s no longer the case. Newey is leaving and at the beginning of the year it also looked like Helmut Marko would be sacked. This is not good for the future,” he told ‘De Telegraaf’.
“Ferrari is Formula 1”
Newey has won with Williams, McLaren, Red Bull… Will there be a next one? Bernie Ecclestone, former Formula 1 tycoon, spoke clearly and on more than one occasion pointed out that “Ferrari is Formula 1”, drawing the success that exists in this pairing and that if Ferrari wins, so does F1. Surely, under this argument, the current owners of Formula One Management, Liberty, will prefer that Adrian Newey signs for Ferrari.
Not only the paddock, but also Formula 1 and even the FIA, aware that its most important motor racing competition is in suspense of the decision of a 65 year old engineer, will be watching this engineer’s move. He is a unique ‘game changer’, capable of taking away and giving excitement to one of the most followed sporting competitions in the world.
PS: There are more than 90 international federations around the world and perhaps there is another game changer on a par with Adrian Newey in other sports. If you can think of one, please don’t hesitate to let us know at victor.garcia@sportsin.biz and we will make room for such a story on a par with the greats.
