Speculation is rampant that Adrian Newey is considering leaving Red Bull, which could potentially create a new crisis for the currently dominant Formula 1 team. The departure of Newey would undoubtedly have significant implications for Red Bull’s future success. Our writers have weighed in on the matter:
This speculation comes as a fresh blow to Red Bull, interrupting a brief period of relief from the constant scrutiny that plagued the team in the early weeks of the season. The Christian Horner saga, which began earlier this year during the car launch season, has been the dominant storyline throughout pre-season testing and the first two race weekends. Despite Red Bull’s continued dominance on the track, this latest development puts the team back in the headlines for less favorable reasons.
Red Bull’s already fractured leadership has left their rivals sensing weakness. The departure of Newey would only further exacerbate the situation. While some may argue that his involvement has become peripheral, it is clear that Red Bull’s ability to control the narrative is at stake. This unexpected turn of events is far from ideal for the team.
It appears that Red Bull is heading towards a scenario where either Horner or other key players, including Newey and possibly Max Verstappen, may depart. Newey’s departure, in particular, would be monumental and undoubtedly weaken Red Bull. Over the past decade, Red Bull has made every effort to keep Newey satisfied and prevent him from joining rival teams. If he were to leave, Red Bull could find themselves returning to the struggles they experienced from 2015 to 2018.
In the short term, Red Bull may still be able to maintain some level of success, thanks to the contractual obligations of Formula 1. However, the absence of Newey’s unique perspective and problem-solving abilities could have long-term consequences. Red Bull will need to recalibrate and restructure without him, and while they may still be a strong team, they will certainly never be the same.
The departure of Newey would test the technical robustness of Red Bull Racing. While the team has many talented technical personnel, led by Pierre Wache, Newey’s creativity and clear vision for performance opportunities are irreplaceable. Without him, the team will need to carefully consider their conceptual direction.
Red Bull Racing was built around Newey, but preparations have likely been made for his eventual departure. There are individuals within the team who are motivated to prove that they can be successful without Newey’s influence. However, the true depth of Red Bull’s dominance will be revealed by the quality of their first all-new car without Newey’s guidance.
In F1’s current era, it is remarkable that one person can have such a significant impact on a team’s success. Newey’s track record speaks for itself – when he joins a team, it becomes more competitive and eventually wins titles. The impact of a potential Newey exit or arrival has not been properly tested in nearly two decades due to his long tenure at Red Bull. Now, we may have the opportunity to witness the evidence sooner and more dramatically.
The new rules set to be implemented in 2026 were already going to be a challenging time for Red Bull. The decision to build their own engines, as bold as it may be, comes with significant risks that could potentially topple the team’s dominance. Losing Newey as a key supplier of successful cars, along with the supplier of their engines, would be a nightmare scenario for Red Bull.
Verstappen, too, would be impacted by these developments. While no team is a safe bet for 2026, a Newey-less Red Bull would be an especially risky choice. If both Newey and Wache were to depart, it could provide Verstappen with an opportunity to renegotiate his contract or explore other options. Red Bull and Verstappen could survive without Newey and Wache, but it would not be a comfortable situation for them.
If Newey were to leave Red Bull, it would be comparable to Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes. Newey is a multi-championship winning icon, deserving to be mentioned in the same breath as the great drivers. His loyalty to Red Bull has been unwavering throughout the years, even when offers from other top teams were on the table. If he were to leave the team he helped build into a powerhouse, it would be a seismic event, much like Hamilton potentially leaving Mercedes for Ferrari.
Overall, the potential departure of Newey from Red Bull has significant implications for the team’s future success. The team would undoubtedly face challenges in maintaining their dominance without his expertise and influence. Only time will tell how Red Bull will navigate this potential crisis and whether they can continue to thrive without Newey at the helm.