TORONTO: Red Bull Racing chief technical officer Adrian Newey has been named the "2024 World Car Person of the Year".
The announcement was made by the World Car Awards jury, comprised of over 100 automotive journalists from 29 different countries.
Newey is recognised for his key role in designing the RB19, a race car that has profoundly influenced Formula One history by winning 21 out of 22 races in the 2023 season. This achievement not only secured Red Bull Racing's sixth World Championship but also marked Max Verstappen's third.
Newey's career as an aerodynamicist spans 35 years in Formula One, during which he has contributed to more than 200 victories. The RB19's unparalleled success has set a benchmark for competitors, underscoring Newey's impact on the sport and the automotive industry.
The World Car Person of the Year award, established in 2018, honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the automotive industry.
Criteria for the award include impacts on brand or company performance, as well as advancements in safety, engineering, design, or technology that benefit the industry or consumers.
Newey joins a list of past recipients, such as SangYup Lee of Hyundai Motor Company (2023) and Akio Toyoda of Toyota Motor Corporation (2021).
The World Car Awards, now in its 20th year, continues to celebrate and inspire excellence, leadership, and innovation in the automotive industry on a global scale. The award is one of seven handed out annually, highlighting the changing dynamics and the global nature of the automotive marketplace.
