Does Adrian Newey Have to Serve a Gardening Leave After Leaving Red Bull?

With Adrian Newey officially leaving Red Bull Racing, there has been a lot of confusion regarding the gardening leave. Before it was officially announced, it was understood that Newey would have to serve a gardening leave of 1 year after leaving Red Bull. During this time, he would not be able to work for another team. But after the official announcement came through yesterday, there has been some confusion.

According to the Red Bull’s official statement, Newey will leave Red Bull during the first quarter of the 2025 season. Until then, he will step down from his Formula 1 duties effective immediately. His sole focus will be on building the RB17 Hypercar for Red Bull Technologies. Once this project is completed, he will be allowed to exit the team.

When can Adrian Newey join another team?

There is some contradicting information coming from different sources. Some say that Adrian Newey will not be able to sign with another team until he leaves Red Bull for good in 2025. Others say that Newey is allowed to work with another team as soon as next week as he has already stepped down from his F1 duties at Red Bull Racing.

After looking at all the reports, here’s what Motorsport Hour thinks. Red Bull will want to keep Newey from communicating with the other teams for as long as possible. Whichever team signs him, will have him focus on the 2026 contender. Hence, Red Bull would prefer to have Newey join another team as late as possible.

🎥 | Adrian Newey has announced his departure from Red Bull Racing after 19 years with the team.

Where could he be going next?

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For this reason, Red Bull might have allowed Newey to exit the team in 2025 without gardening leave, under the condition that he does not sign with another team until he exits Red Bull for good. His time working on the RB17 Hypercar will be served as an unofficial gardening leave where he will not be working with any of the F1 teams including Red Bull. If he were to enter into an contract with another team, he will have to serve another year of gardening leave.

After he leave Red Bull during the first quarter of 2025, Newey will be able to join any team he wishes to. From what it looks like, Ferrari seem to have the best chance of signing the British F1 car designer. This could make them a serious contender for the Championship from the 2026 season.