The upcoming season of Formula 1 will have around 13 seats to replace drivers for the team. Amid driver speculation for the Red Bull, as Sergio Perez’s contract is expiring by the end of 2024, another insider came close to retirement.
Adrian Newey, the renowned F1 car designer, has been an integral part of the Red Bull team since 2006. His illustrious career includes successful stints with Williams and McLaren in the 1990s. However, the 2000s posed challenges, and Newey contemplated his future, even considering retirement.
Speaking exclusively to RacingNews365, Adrian Newey said he is still keen to be involved in F1 going forward but has not given extensive thought to his immediate future.
"I enjoy [it]. Ever since I was 10 or so, certainly by 12, I wanted to be a designer – I don’t think I…"
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) April 8, 2024
But fate intervened when Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, approached him. Newey joined Red Bull and never looked back. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable victories, including a dominant run with Sebastian Vettel from 2010 onward. The RB20, Newey’s latest creation, continues to dominate races in the 2024 season.
As per a recent interview he expressed, “I enjoy [it]. Ever since I was 10 or so, certainly by 12, I wanted to be a designer – I don’t think I…”
Who will replace the Red Bull seat of Sergio Perez?
Max Verstappen’s six-year contract extension with Red Bull, following his championship-winning season, positions him as a central figure in the team’s future. However, the spotlight now falls on Sergio Perez, whose contract expires at the end of 2024.
- Nico Hulkenberg: Red Bull might opt for a more experienced driver alongside Max Verstappen, and Nico Hulkenberg could fit the bill.
- Daniel Ricciardo: Daniel Ricciardo, who hopes to replace Perez, could be a strong contender for the seat.
- Carlos Sainz: Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Carlos Sainz, a product of RB’s junior driver program, might replace Perez as Verstappen’s teammate in 2025.
READ MORE: Sergio Perez Took the Favour of Fernando Alonso and Questions FIA’s Consistency
