Adrian Newey has been extensively discussed over his four-decade career in Formula 1. Known as a ‘genius’ and ‘maverick,’ this unassuming Englishman has claimed twelve constructors’ championships throughout his profession.
While F1 car designers do not serve as drivers, their impact is often evaluated against the drivers’ titles won under their stewardship. Therefore, Newey is not necessarily the singularly dominant designer that some might presume.
John Barnard, an often underrated figure in F1 design, secured nine constructors’ titles with McLaren and Benetton, while Patrick Head achieved the same number at Williams, contributing significantly to the team’s foundation.
Recent Achievements of Newey
Colin Chapman was an engineering mastermind, albeit not as enduring in the sport’s landscape as others listed here. He won seven constructors’ titles with the Lotus team, and Rory Byrne, pivotal during Ferrari’s dominance with Michael Schumacher from 1999-2004, shares a similar record.
Newey is undeniably a prominent figure, yet some critics argue that his recent contributions to Red Bull have been exaggerated. Following the shift to V6 turbo hybrids in 2014, Newey’s frustration grew as power began to overshadow aerodynamics, signaling diminishing opportunities for him to design a championship-winning car.
Marshall’s Significant Role at Red Bull
The key position of Rob Marshall has been highlighted as crucial to Red Bull’s achievements. His unexpected move to McLaren in May 2023 surprised many within the Red Bull ranks. Marshall, with expertise in rear suspension and complex carbon structures that enhance aerodynamics, was a valuable asset to the team.
Impact of Marshall at McLaren
Newey acknowledged that his own involvement in Red Bull’s new ground effect cars was mainly limited to the front end, including aspects like suspension and aerodynamics. Despite a rocky start to the 2024 season for McLaren, Marshall’s influence began to show with significant upgrades to their car, contributing to improved performance.
Uncertain Future for Newey
“The understanding of how to design a car, particularly from a layout perspective, is crucial,” emphasized Marshall. Max Verstappen recognized the positive influence Marshall has had since joining McLaren. Meanwhile, Newey remains secluded in his design office at Aston Martin, eschewing involvement with the struggling AMR25.
As he ages, it’s unclear if Newey can replicate his past success, especially since he hasn’t been the primary designer for nearly a decade. The commendable efforts from individuals like Marshall during Newey’s tenure at Red Bull have often gone unnoticed, overshadowed by the ‘genius’ headline.
