Newey wants a long career at Red Bull

The highly rated designer joined the Milton Keynes-based outfit in January, after almost 10 years at McLaren, having decided that he needed a fresh challenge in the sport.

Speaking about his future plans ahead of the first race of the season, Newey said he expected to have a lengthy stay at Red Bull Racing and that he had no intention of switching teams when his current contract ended.

"This is a three-year deal, but the goal is longer term than that," he said. "It is a three-year commitment but I am anticipating being here for more than three years.

"There is no point going beyond a three-year contract in F1, but the intention is more long term."

Newey said part of the attraction for his switch to Red Bull Racing was that he wanted to work with a younger team and help move them up the field.

"I wanted, after working for two well-established teams - Williams and McLaren - I really wanted to get involved in a younger team where we could build it up into a force in the future. That more than anything attracted me."

Newey is planning to attend half a dozen races this year to understand the team better, although his main attention is on next year's RB3.

"My immediate focus has been on longer-term projects. Having said that, anything that spins out of it can be applied to what we're doing this year."