F1 News: Adrian Newey Reveals Crazy Project Away From Red Bull Almost Happened
Adrian Newey, celebrated for his formidable career in Formula 1, recently received TopGear.com's 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. In a reflective interview with Top Gear, Newey disclosed an unexpected twist in his career path: an invitation to design a spacecraft.
Key Takeaways:
- Aeronautics as a Stepping Stone to Racing: Newey initially studied aeronautics and astronautics at Southampton, not out of interest in these fields but as a means to break into motor racing. He believed aircraft technology was closely related to racecar technology, making it the logical choice for his career aspirations.
- The Spacecraft Design Offer: Approximately ten years ago, Newey was approached by an American company to contribute to a spacecraft design. Although he found the idea stimulating and reminiscent of the thrilling space race era of the Sixties, his passion for the dynamic, fast-paced world of motor racing prevailed.
- Newey's Humorous Take on Safety: While contemplating the spacecraft design offer, Newey humorously remarked on the potential risks involved, underscoring the need for spacecraft to return safely, a challenge he was not ready to undertake.
In his discussion with Top Gear, Adrian Newey reflected on his educational journey, stating:
"[I studied aeronautics and astronautics but professed to have no real interest in the latter...] Or the former. My burning desire was to get into motor racing as a design engineer, and I figured that aircraft were closer to racecar technology than any other engineering discipline.
"So aeronautics was the logical choice and Southampton seemed to have the closest links to motor racing.
This decision marked the beginning of what would become a legendary career in Formula 1. The conversation took an intriguing turn when Newey revealed an offer he received a decade ago. Newey continued:
"Dangerous, I think. There is a requirement for them to come back in one piece. Actually, an American company did ring me up, about 10 years ago now, to ask if I would be interested in joining them to work on a spacecraft.
"It would be fascinating, and the space race in the Sixties must have been incredibly stimulating. But I find motor racing more fascinating. There’s a tremendous pace of development and involvement in motor racing. I like that."
