Adrian Newey's Touch of Gold
With the news of Adrian Newey leaving Red Bull, it’s the perfect time to reflect on his winning car design career. With his exit, there has been a lot of speculation on his possible destinations, including Aston Martin or even Ferrari. With all the excitement and guessing, let’s not forget that even though Newey is leaving F1 right now, doesn’t mean he can move to another team right away. He’ll be sticking it out with Red Bull until early 2025 to build its new hypercar, the RB17.
Newey’s career has been nothing short of legendary. Everything the man touches turns to gold. Let’s take a look at his years at Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, where his designs have secured multiple championships.
Williams FW14B (1992)
Wins: 10/16 (62.5%)
Championship: Drivers’ and Constructors’
Driver wins:
Nigel Mansell: 9
Riccardo Patrese: 1
Williams FW15C (1993)
Wins: 10/16 (62.5%)
Championship: Drivers’ and Constructors’
Driver wins:
Alain Prost: 7
Damon Hill: 3
Williams FW18 (1996)
Wins: 12/16 (75%)
Championship: Drivers’ and Constructors’
Driver wins:
Damon Hill: 8
Jacques Villeneuve: 4
McLaren MP4/13 (1998)
Wins: 9/16 (56.3%)
Championship: Drivers’ and Constructors’
Driver wins:
Mika Hakkinen: 8
David Coulthard: 1
McLaren MP4-20 (2005)
Wins: 10/19 (52.6%)
Championship: NA
Driver wins:
Kimi Raikkonen: 7
Juan Pablo Montoya: 3
Red Bull RB7 (2011)
Wins: 12/19 (63.2%)
Championship: Drivers’ and Constructors’
Driver wins:
Sebastian Vettel: 11
Mark Webber: 1
Red Bull RB9 (2013)
Wins: 13/19 (68.4%)
Championship: Drivers’ and Constructors’
Driver wins:
Sebastian Vettel: 13
Mark Webber: 0
Red Bull RB16B (2021)
Wins: 11/22 (50%)
Championship: Drivers’
Driver wins:
Max Verstappen: 10
Sergio Perez: 1
Red Bull RB18 (2022)
Wins: 17/22 (77.3%)
Championship: Drivers’ and Constructors’
Driver wins:
Max Verstappen: 15
Sergio Perez: 2
Red Bull RB19 (2023)
Wins: 21/22 (95.4%)
Championship: Drivers’ and Constructors’
Driver wins:
Max Verstappen: 19
Sergio Perez: 2
While Newey’s designs are evidently stunning, it’s important to consider the role of the drivers as well. Compared to previous drivers, Max Verstappen was the one making up most of the wins. It can be argued that, yes, we have a championship car, but how much of that is due to Verstappen? Despite the innovative engineering, how important is having the right driver in the seat? Would the results have been different had it been in the hands of a different driver?
So, as the F1 world holds its breath over Newey’s next move, one can’t help but wonder: will we be seeing the same results? Will he find another Verstappen? Is there a driver on the grid that will match his golden touch? After all, a 95.4% win rate is hard to top, and that’ll be one hell of a legacy he’ll leave behind. But no matter where Adrian Newey goes, he will remain a titan of motorsport design.
As for me, I lowkey am hoping to see Fernando Alonso in the car. We just need to get rid of Lance Stroll. #sorrynotsorry Ferrari fans.