Zak Brown asserted that the departure of Adrian Newey from Red Bull indicated internal unrest within the team. The exit of Newey, a renowned aerodynamics expert, has sparked discussions in the F1 paddock. Many believe that the growing tensions within Red Bull led to his decision to leave. Newey has yet to address these rumors or disclose the true reason for his departure. However, this move could potentially pave the way for other key figures to consider leaving the team, according to McLaren CEO.
Brown expressed that he was not caught off guard by the news of Newey’s departure from Red Bull in 2025. While it may have been surprising half a year ago, considering Red Bull’s dominance, it is not unexpected to see Newey contemplate leaving the team. Brown also praised Newey’s racing skills and described him as a person of great integrity.
Furthermore, Brown shared his perspective on the tensions at Red Bull following the death of a team member in 2022. He stated that the situation had become destabilizing within the Austrian constructor. Therefore, Newey’s departure is just the first in a series of potential departures by other senior figures, leaving behind the highly sought-after engineer.
Brown revealed that McLaren received numerous job applications from Red Bull employees after Newey’s exit. This indicates that several individuals within the team desired to leave following his departure. Additionally, Brown commended Newey’s impressive track record and mentioned that many people aspire to work alongside the 65-year-old.
Consequently, Brown emphasized that Red Bull will miss out on Newey’s technical expertise. The team will also lose his leadership and the excitement of working with such a talented aerodynamics expert. Therefore, Newey’s departure may have implications beyond him simply leaving as an engineer.
As a result, the future of Adrian Newey in Formula 1 is highly anticipated by fans worldwide. The 65-year-old may choose to retire from the sport, but if he decides to join another team, he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. The regulation changes in the 2026 season could hold surprises if Newey joins a new constructor.