Ford Sticking With Red Bull Despite Adrian Newey’s Departure

May 12, 2024 9:02 am

The Blue Oval is headed back to Formula One racing in 2026, partnering with Oracle Red Bull Racing to get back on the international open wheel racing division’s grid. Ford has already started working on its power unit for 2026 and is ready to bring Oracle back to Victory Lane. However, Ford’s F1 endeavors were tainted by an investigation into Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO, Christian Horner, for alleged misconduct, although the automaker stayed mum about the investigation once it was wrapped up. Ford has another obstacle to clear, however, as engineer Adrian Hewey will soon part ways with Red Bull, although The Blue Oval plans on staying the course despite the loss of the valuable engineer, according to a report from Planet F1.

2023 Ford Puma M-Sport race car

Newey, who currently serves as chief technical officer at Oracle Red Bull, announced that he would surrender his position during the first quarter of 2025. He’s leaving the F1 side of things in part to focus on the development of the new Red Bull hypercar, the RB17, which will enter production next year.

Ford Performance head Mark Rushbrook said that Newey’s departure doesn’t change anything in regard to Ford’s commitment to F1 racing.

“We have huge respect for Adrian in terms of his career and all the things that he has done for many different teams in F1, especially the last 19 years at Red Bull,” Rushbrook said. “We wish him the best for whatever he will do in the future. Our focus though fully remains on the power unit program for 2026. That’s unchanged after this news and that is still going ahead, full throttle.”