Max Verstappen’s insinuation that Red Bull’s recent Formula 1 success is not solely attributed to Adrian Newey hints at the team’s true feelings about Newey’s upcoming departure. Newey, who has been with Red Bull for almost two decades, played a crucial role in turning the team into a dominant force from 2010-2013 as technical director. He then continued to contribute to the team’s success in his role as a ‘global chief technical officer’. While many in the F1 paddock and beyond were shocked by Newey’s impending exit, there is a strong indication that Red Bull itself is not concerned because his influence had diminished over time. Some even believe that Newey had no real input into the 2024 RB20. Verstappen expressed his preference for Newey to stay but also acknowledged that the technical team at Red Bull, excluding Newey, is very strong and has demonstrated their competitiveness in recent years. Verstappen believes that the situation is not as dramatic as it appears to be from the outside, as he understands the dynamics within the team.
Newey’s role change saw him step away from day-to-day technical leadership, with Pierre Wache taking over as technical director. Newey assumed a superconsultant-like position, where he provided guidance and leadership for specific aspects of car design and development. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner previously described the technical team as a “machine” that emerged from the freedom granted to Newey to work on other projects alongside his role at Red Bull. Verstappen recognizes that there will never be another person like Newey but believes that his departure could inspire those already at Red Bull and create new opportunities for others. Verstappen did not attempt to convince Newey to stay, as he believes that someone who wants to leave should be allowed to do so for their own personal and professional reasons. Verstappen expressed his trust in the other members of the technical team at Red Bull, stating that they are incredibly skilled at what they do.
Verstappen emphasized the importance of remaining calm and focused amidst the various off-track stories that have unfolded this year, including Horner’s situation, Newey’s departure, and the connection between the two. He believes that it is crucial to know who you are working with and feel comfortable in order to perform at your best. Verstappen’s main priority is to have the fastest car, which Red Bull has achieved in recent years, thanks in part to the strong technical team that has been in place for a long time. Verstappen expects things to continue as they have been.
Newey negotiated an early exit from his contract, which was set to expire at the end of next year. The details surrounding his early departure are unclear, but Verstappen believes that it would have been unfair to put Newey on gardening leave for an extended period of time. He believes that there is mutual respect between Newey and Red Bull. Newey is strongly linked with a move to Ferrari to conclude his F1 career, and Verstappen acknowledges that he will have the opportunity to contribute to another team with the new car regulations in 2026. Verstappen believes that Newey’s experience and knowledge can be advantageous to another team, especially with the changes in regulations. However, the extent of Newey’s influence in joining a new team in 2025, when the cars are already designed for that year, remains uncertain.