Adrian Newey won’t join one F1 team because there’s ‘too much’ work for him to do

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Adrian Newey is in the almost unique position in the Formula 1 paddock that he could join any team he likes after deciding to part ways with Red Bull Racing.

Even though he would demand an impressive salary, even the likes of Haas would find a way to squeeze Adrian Newey into their budget if he decided he wanted to join the American outfit.

That seems virtually impossible at this stage, but highlights just how highly-rated the 65-year-old designer is within the world of Formula 1.

However, every team on the grid has a different set of problems they need to solve, either in the immediate future or when the new regulations arrive in 2026.

READ MORE: Everything we know about F1’s 2026 regulation changes so far from engines to tyres

Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, pit lane reporter Ted Kravitz shared his thoughts on which teams Newey is likely to say no to once his time at Milton Keynes comes to an end.

Ferrari were keen on Newey but his salary demands proved to be an issue but that might not be a problem for his final future employer.

Aston Martin have prepared a bumper contract for Newey and although it’s his most likely destination, nothing has been confirmed yet.

Kravitz ran through the pros and cons of several teams on the grid for Newey and explained why a return to Williams is unlikely to be on the cards.

He believes that at his age, the job it would take to turn the team around would be ‘too much’ for him and he may not want to return to one of his old teams.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Williams Racing from team principal to Mercedes relationship

Ted Kravitz explains why Adrian Newey might not want to return to Williams

Kravitz: “I think it’s more the environment that Newey, obviously the financial recompenses is important in terms of your value to a team and if you win world championships, then you’re going to add that value back to the team.

“I think it’s more important for the people that he’s working with, the environment he’s working under and where he’s working.

“Maybe the move to Italy would have been too much of a stretch at his age. Maybe he felt that he didn’t want to relocate.

“Not that he would have had to relocate to Italy, but they might have wanted him to do that.

“So, the Ferrari dream of linking up with Lewis Hamilton seems further away than ever at the moment.

“Then it’s a choice between McLaren, which I think I’ve said on these podcasts before. Why would he go back? He already worked for McLaren or under a very different regime with Ron Dennis and Martin Whitmarsh.

“But he might feel a bit odd going back to Woking and think, well, I’ve been here. I’ve done this. I’d like to try something else.

“Mercedes, is he going to fit into that environment with the strength that they’ve already got with James Allison and his team there? Maybe not. Williams, is that too much of a job for him at his age? What is he, 65?”

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s life outside F1 from full name, girlfriend and height

Williams making steps forward with Carlos Sainz arriving in 2025

It’s not been a straightforward season for Williams with the team always behind schedule when it came to their development.

Alex Albon believes the car being overweight has cost Williams points as he’s only managed two top-ten finishes throughout the season.

Team principal James Vowles decided to replace Logan Sargeant going into 2025 and after months of work, managed to secure Carlos Sainz’s signature.

The Spaniard’s decision to join Williams is a boost to the team and gives them one of the strongest driver pairings not just among the midfield but in the entire paddock.

While they may miss out on Newey, things are still looking bright for Williams going forward, even if this season is already a write-off.