Mercedes and McLaren managers Toto Wolff and Zak Brown have given their thoughts on if, and perhaps when, Adrian Newey becomes available and the team's position if he leaves Red Bull.
The team's chief technical officer is expected to announce his departure from Red Bull after days and weeks of reports surrounding his future with the reigning world champions, with a total of 25 drivers' and constructors' titles under his belt. His signature is on one of the most highly regarded players on the grid. In the car he oversaw the design process.
McLaren and Mercedes battle for Adrian Newey's position
Newey himself admits that Ferrari have made multiple approaches to him at various junctures over the decades, but if he becomes available he decides he wants to continue in F1. If so, the Scuderia could consider another move for him.
It was also widely reported that Aston Martin had offered Newey a move to the Silverstone-based team during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend in March, but team principal Mike Clack confirmed that this was not the case. I denied it.
As for Mercedes, team principal and CEO Wolff said the team has taken a hands-off approach to how events at Red Bull are unfolding, and is currently watching from afar. He said that there was only one.
As quoted by the BBC, Wolff said at an event in New York: “Adrian Newey is an iconic engineer in F1 with a great track record and again, so many people are talking about what he will eventually do and whether he will retire,” Red Bull or not.
“I just look at the space like a fan.”
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Newey had already enjoyed success in the world championship from his previous stint at McLaren in the 1990s, and was the driving force behind Mika Hakkinen's glorious title win over Michael Schumacher, Eddie Irvine and Ferrari. designed the car.
In its current form, McLaren moved from a single technical director role last season under James Key to a tripartite approach at the top of the team, with roles split into different areas.
Team CEO Brown then explained that the team is inclined to maintain this approach rather than move Newey if he becomes available.
“Adrian is a good friend and clearly the most successful designer of all time,” Brown said.
“However, McLaren has a plan and we are very pleased with our technical leadership team and the progress we are making to get back to the front of the grid.”
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