• Red Bull

Rules prompted Newey's decision to step back from F1

ESPN Staff
June 9, 2014 « Horner hopes win acts as motivation for Renault | Wolff sure Hamilton will get back in title fight »
© Getty Images
Enlarge

Adrian Newey has revealed that Formula One's restrictive regulations helped him make up his mind to take a step back from the sport at the start of next year.

On Sunday Red Bull announced that Newey would take a mentoring role in the team while he pursues new projects within the Austrian company. The change will see him take a step back from his day-to-day work at the F1 team and he said part of the reason was down lack of freedom for designers under the regulations.

"I just feel, to be perfectly honest, the current regulations are very restrictive, which is a shame," he was quoted by Autosport. "It's difficult to find new areas to explore because they are so tight. At the same time, I'd like to see if I can apply my ability - whatever that might be - to other areas."

Newey said he would make sure he leaves the team in good shape next year.

"I'll be fully involved with the team over the next few months. During that time we will look at how the engineering structure will run in the future, and then once I get fully into the new projects, I will step back and take on much more of an advisory role and, if you like, mentoring some of my colleague engineers. If they have questions or would like my advice then I'll be available to give that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
ESPN Staff Close