Adrian Newey is known as one of the best designers of Formula One cars from his era, or any other for that matter. So it’s a surprise to recall he was fired from his first job with Leyton House. It’s also a surprise to learn that in his lengthy F1 career he’s never driven one of his cars on a track before.
Luckily Red Bull Racing and David Coulthard were on hand to put that right. First Newey drives the somewhat analog 1990 Leyton House CG901 before entering the digital age in the championship-winning RB6 from 2010.
Two cars, 20 years apart driven by their original designer. It’s great to see that Newey wasn’t daunted by the task at hand. He made the most of aero capabilities of the RB6 around Silverstone and seemed to adapt pretty quickly, after a slightly awkward start.
One reply on “VIDEO: Adrian Newey gets behind the wheel”
In the modern era, I think it would be remiss to think that anyone would be able to build a championship winning car in their first attempt in F1. I’d be interested to know if this was purely a political stunt, or whether Newey wanted to get a feel for the car, first hand, and set about his 2013 project.
Even by F1 standards, he is a super scary workaholic, in a sport where workaholics are the norm.
Hats off to Mr Newey… He’s potentially single handedly, well, with the help of Vettel, turned the 2012 season into RBR’s favour.