Jos Verstappen, a Dutch Formula 1 driver, has issued a warning about the potential disintegration of the Red Bull team following the news that design expert Adrian Newey will be leaving in 2025. Newey, who has been with Red Bull for almost two decades and has contributed to the creation of 13 championship-winning cars, will be departing amid rumors of a power struggle within the team. Verstappen Sr. expressed concerns about team boss Christian Horner’s influence and suggested that it could have a detrimental effect on Red Bull’s stability. Now that Newey’s departure has been confirmed for early 2025, Verstappen Sr. believes that his previous worries have become a reality.
Verstappen Sr. emphasized the importance of retaining key personnel for internal harmony within the team and expressed disappointment that this is not the case currently. He stated, “For internal peace, it is important that key people stay on board. That is not the case now. Newey is leaving and earlier this year it also looked like Helmut [Marko] would be sent away. For the future, that is not good.”
Verstappen Sr. also referenced concerns about Marko, an Austrian advisor for Red Bull, who faced the possibility of suspension from the team during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Although Marko was ultimately allowed to continue in his role, there were reports suggesting that a clause had been included in Max Verstappen’s contract that would allow him to leave if Marko was removed. These rumors have fueled speculation about Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes, as the team’s boss, Toto Wolff, has openly expressed his interest in signing the Dutch driver. However, Wolff has dismissed reports of meetings between him and Verstappen Sr., stating that such discussions should remain private.
In conclusion, Jos Verstappen has expressed concerns about the future of the Red Bull team following the announcement of Adrian Newey’s departure. He believes that the team is at risk of falling apart and highlights the importance of retaining key personnel for internal harmony. Verstappen Sr. also references the potential impact of Christian Horner’s presence and the rumors surrounding Helmut Marko. The possibility of Max Verstappen joining Mercedes has been widely discussed, but Toto Wolff has denied any official meetings taking place.