Adrian Newey is negotiating an exit from his current Red Bull contract that would enable him to move to a rival Formula 1 team as early as 2025, according to the BBC.
Reports emerged earlier this week that Newey has opted to end his near two-decade spell with Red Bull which has comprised seven Drivers’ and six Constructors’ titles.
The Briton, 65, is reported to have become unsettled with the power struggle that has ensued at Red Bull since the probe into Team Principal Christian Horner’s conduct.
Newey has been linked with a host of rival teams since the news surfaced, with Aston Martin touted to have presented him with a lucrative proposal late last month.
Meanwhile, Ferrari is rumoured to be interested in reigniting its long-standing interest in Newey, who has turned down approaches from the Italian marque beforehand.
However, those could have been dealt a blow amid the revelation that Newey’s Red Bull contract, which runs through 2025, contained a 12-month non-compete clause.
But the BBC has reported that Newey’s lawyers are negotiating to circumvent that and secure an earlier egress that would allow him to begin work elsewhere next term.
That would allow Newey to participate in the design process of his future team’s 2026 car when all-new, sweeping technical regulations are introduced into the series.
Ferrari seems Newey’s most probable destination as it is believed that Aston Martin’s deal is not favourable to him, while Zak Brown has ruled out a return to McLaren.
McLaren CEO Brown said: “Adrian is a good friend and clearly the most successful designer of all time.
“However, we have a plan in place at McLaren and I am extremely happy with our technical leadership team and the progress we’re making to get back to the front.”
Mercedes had also been viewed as a credible option amid the German manufacturer’s desire to obtain Max Verstappen to replace the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
Speaking at a WhatsApp event in New York on Monday, Wolff admitted he admired Newey’s track record, but stated he was “looking at it like a fan and watching that space.”
An announcement from Red Bull that Newey has left the team is not due to arrive earlier than Thursday, owing to Wednesday’s 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s death at Imola.
