Martin Brundle says 'competitive animal' Adrian Newey will be back in F1

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These F1 teams want Adrian Newey according to Martin Brundle
30 May at 21:00
  • Nicole Mulder

Adrian Newey himself hinted that he is likely to work for another Formula 1 team after leaving Red Bull Racing, and Martin Brundle cannot imagine Newey doing anything else. The former McLaren, Williams and Benetton driver reveals which teams he thinks are most likely to bring the legendary designer in.

Newey has repeatedly stressed that he will enjoy a well-earned holiday before he makes a decision on his future. He did hint at a possible move to another F1 team, as he would probably miss working in the sport too much.

Newey is a 'competitive animal', says Brundle

"He’s a competitive animal," Brundle said about Newey in the Beyond the Grid podcast. "I think he’ll get a little bit bored. The 2026 regulations have got Adrian written all over them." Newey himself also indicated that he likes the challenge of new regulations, as he proved when introducing the new generation of F1 cars in 2022.

"That’s not to downplay all the other people, like [Red Bull Technical Director] Pierre Wache," the Sky Sports F1 pundit added. "There are a lot of very clever people there. It’s wrong to say one person can make the difference, but I’ll guarantee that along the way Adrian just tipped a couple of things and came up with some ideas that made the difference."

Brundle 'would be surprised' if Newey doesn't stay in F1

"[It’s] just the experience and the feel for what you need, I would be surprised if down the road he doesn’t have some kind of affiliation with a Formula 1 team. I’d be amazed, in fact," says the 64-year-old Briton.

The analyst lists Mercedes, Aston Martin, McLaren and Ferrari as the main contenders. "It’s a double-edged sword because if you can get Adrian’s experience and skills, then you’ve got him and somebody else doesn’t have him. So, they’ll all be trying like crazy. If they’re not, then they should be." Brundle concludes.