Adrian Newey has designed a host of iconic Formula 1 cars over the years, playing a key role in 12 constructors’ titles, 13 drivers’ titles and more than 200 Grand Prix wins during spells at Williams, McLaren and Red Bull.
But aside from his own designs, what are the Briton’s all-time favourite cars? As the latest chapter of an illustrious career draws to a close, with Newey preparing to leave Red Bull In early 2025, F1.com tracked him down to ask him that very question.
“It’s very difficult, isn’t it? It’s very subjective, of course,” smiled Newey as he pondered his first choice, before settling on a car, driven by the pioneer Ford Cosworth DFV engine – who entered F1 during the early stages of the 1967 season, when he was just eight years old.
“I would say the Lotus 49, because it was a big influence when I was little and in some ways shaped my determination to try and follow this career path.”