EXCLUSIVE: From the ‘big influence’ to the land speed record setter – F1 design guru Newey reveals his favourite cars of all time

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 across stints at Williams, McLaren and Red Bull.

But alongside his own designs, what are the Briton’s favourite cars of all time? As the latest chapter of an illustrious career comes to an end, with Newey preparing to depart Red Bull in early 2025, F1.com tracked him down to ask that very question.

READ MORE: Hunger, ingenuity and modesty – How ‘Einstein of F1’ Newey helped transform Red Bull’s fortunes

“It’s such a difficult one, isn’t it? It’s very subjective, of course,” smiled Newey as he pondered his first choice, before settling on a car – powered by the pioneering Ford Cosworth DFV engine – that arrived in F1 during the early stages of the 1967 season, when he was just eight years old.

“I would say the Lotus 49, because that was a big influence when I was little, and sort of shaped my determination to try to take this career path.”

It had such an impact that Newey today owns a variation of that design in the 1968-spec Lotus 49B, which introduced aerofoil wings to F1, and the now 65-year-old managed to get behind the wheel at this year’s Monaco Historic Grand Prix weekend (see the gallery above).

Then there are a couple more “firsts”, namely the Chaparral wing car from the mid-1960s and the Lotus 79 ground effect car that stole the show during the 1978 F1 season, underlining Newey’s appreciation for innovative designs.

READ MORE: An innovator and trendsetter – Adrian Newey's greatest F1 contributions

Finally, it’s a move away from F1 and over to the world of land speed records.

“The Bluebird [CN7], I think that land speed record car of the mid-60s was absolutely astounding,” he comments. “It’s more advanced than many F1… all F1 cars in many ways, and the first car actually to properly understand ground effect, venturis and tune it.”

Want to find out more about Newey’s latest creation, the RB17 hypercar? Click here to read our exclusive in-depth interview with the star designer from the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed.