Adrian Newey, the legendary Formula 1 car designer, has officially joined Aston Martin, and during a recent interview, he revealed a key weakness in the Red Bull Racing RB20, a car struggling to live up to its predecessor, the dominant RB19.
Newey’s departure from Red Bull was announced during the Miami Grand Prix in 2024, marking a turning point for the team. Despite Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s success in previous seasons, the RB20 has failed to maintain the same level of dominance. This has led many to speculate that Newey’s absence is the root of Red Bull’s decline.
Speaking on the Autocar podcast, Newey opened up about the challenges facing Red Bull and his limited involvement with the team in 2024:
“I haven’t been able to contribute to the development of the current things since April. But why the team has been less competitive recently I don’t know because I’m not involved,” Newey said, addressing the recent struggles.
He also hinted at a “deadly weakness” within the RB20, noting that the car’s aerodynamic efficiency might be its Achilles’ heel. This weakness, compounded by the improved performance of rivals like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, has caused Red Bull’s lead to evaporate.
In an official statement, Aston Martin confirmed that Newey will join their team in March 2025 as their new Managing Technical Partner. His focus will be on developing their 2026 car, a crucial year as the sport undergoes significant regulation changes. Newey’s contract is reportedly worth £30 million per year, underscoring Aston Martin’s ambitions to become a leading force in Formula 1.
As Red Bull continues to struggle in his absence, Newey’s move to Aston Martin could mark a new chapter in the F1 power struggle.
