Adrian Newey’s subsequent Formula 1 vacation spot is a matter of ongoing hypothesis all through the paddock. Ever because it was introduced that he was leaving Red Bull in early 2025, rumors have swirled about his subsequent cease within the sport. Would he transfer to Ferrari? Make a storybook return to Williams or McLaren? Or perhaps transfer over to Aston Martin?
But Saturday morning, the legendary designer and engineer demonstrated a transparent choice.
Ferrari.
Specifically, a Ferrari 312T that was as soon as piloted by legendary driver Niki Lauda. As a part of the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed Newey climbed into Lauda’s 312T for a run up the Hill:
Adrian Newey is perhaps the knowledgeable of design, however he is clearly additionally an knowledgeable of Niki Lauda’s Ferrari 312T2. He’s completely flying up that Hill! #FOS pic.twitter.com/6Kx8XKSz4r
— Goodwood Road & Racing (@GoodwoodRRC) July 13, 2024
Ferrari’s 312T collection, which had eight variations, was probably the most profitable automobiles in F1 historical past. Over these eight variations, Ferrari received 4 Constructors’ Championships, in addition to three Drivers’ Championships. Lauda received two of these titles — 1975 and 1977 — whereas Jody Scheckter received the opposite in 1979.
“To be driving Niki’s outdated automobile, his Championship-winning automobile, is so particular it truly is,” said the legendary designer. “I knew Niki fairly effectively and so to be in right here sitting in the identical seat and and simply attempting to assume what he should have been experiencing and the way he’s ready himself earlier than the beginning and all the things is basically particular.
“It’s completely wonderful and a really becoming tribute to him,” Newey added. “The automobiles are so totally different. I imply, I like these automobiles. The Lotus 49 from ’67, ’68 was the primary automobile I actually kind of began to take a look at after which by the point we bought to this automobile, then I used to be 15, I did a portray of it truly for my artwork venture.”
Rocketing up the Hill in Lauda’s 312T just isn’t the one notable side of Newey’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The legendary designer additionally unveiled his ardour venture on Friday, the RB17 Hypercar. Only 50 of these will probably be produced, and Red Bull said that the RB17 will provide house owners “F1-equivalent” velocity.
So now we have now photos of Newey in a Ferrari. Are these photos foreshadowing of his subsequent F1 vacation spot? Or are they destined to be a footnote within the dialogue?
