Adrian Newey has played a crucial role in the success of Red Bull throughout the years. Recently, there have been headlines about Newey and Christian Horner, but not the kind they would have wanted. The chief designer, Newey, is said to have informed the Milton Keynes team about his intention to leave. This news has raised concerns, with former F1 strategist and current TV presenter expressing that Red Bull would face significant consequences if Newey does indeed depart.
Since the beginning of the 2024 season, Red Bull has been plagued by controversies, leaving them without any relief. This constant turmoil has had a negative impact on the working environment, which may have influenced Newey’s decision to step away from his current role within the team. Bernadette Collins, a former head of strategy, believes that if these speculations turn out to be true, it would be a major blow to the Austrian team.
Collins argues that the team’s disregard for Newey’s crucial role in car development could have serious consequences, as the entire team has been built around him. Newey has been responsible for structuring the aerodynamic department at Red Bull for a significant period of time. If he were to leave, the team could face difficulties, especially considering the upcoming new era of regulations.
Experts in the F1 industry have expressed their concerns about the potential repercussions of Newey’s departure from Red Bull. Furthermore, the departure of such a senior figure could motivate others to leave the team as well. This situation could be detrimental to the Austrian team, potentially leading to a decline in their standings.
A former Ferrari engineer, Knoors, shed light on how things can quickly go downhill when a senior figure departs from a team. The departure often results in a loss of direction and a downward spiral. As a result, employees may become more open to joining rival teams, creating a situation where the team lacks experienced personnel.
Despite these concerns, Red Bull remains steadfast in their belief that Newey will stay with the team for the foreseeable future. However, the F1 landscape is known for its rapid changes, and it is possible that Newey may ultimately decide to leave Red Bull after his long tenure with the team.