Christian Horner insists he was not the reason for Adrian Newey’s decision to leave Red Bull, saying the pair “remain friends”.
Newey’s exit leaves Red Bull in a historically dominant position, with Max Verstappen seeking a fourth consecutive drivers’ title and the team seeking a third consecutive constructors’ title this year.
However, the atmosphere at Red Bull was darkened by an ongoing tumultuous period earlier this year after its Austrian parent company launched an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior by a female colleague.
Horner has always denied the accusation, but the complaint was dismissed on February 28.
An apparent power struggle has been unfolding at Red Bull following the allegations against Horner, who is under intense pressure after his star driver father Jos Verstappen asked the team principal to leave.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Adrian Newey talks to Martin Brundle about why it’s time to hang up the radio at Red Bull.
“I have discussed this matter at length with Adrian and Adrian’s position has been very clear. We have always had a good relationship and we will continue to have a good relationship. We are friends and colleagues and he has given his all to this. A huge effort.
“We’ll be sad to see him leave, but he’s got the team in good shape and we have a good group with the strength and depth to carry us forward.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Danica Patrick takes a walk around the Miami paddock with Max Verstappen to discuss his impressive start to the 2024 season and future aspirations.
Red Bull prepared for Newey’s exit for six years
Newey joined Red Bull in 2006, ahead of the team’s second campaign in F1, and helped establish Red Bull as a leading team from its first win in 2009.
The team won four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles from 2010 to 2013 and has regained dominance in recent years following the introduction of new ground effects regulations in 2022.
Pierre Wache, who has been Newey’s number two at Red Bull since 2018, is now expected to lead the technical team, which has also secured aerodynamics designer Craig Skin Craig Skinner and Enrico Balbo, as well as Ben Waterhouse, head of performance engineering for many years.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
McLaren chief executive Zac Brown says he is not surprised Adrian Newey has left Red Bull.
“I think if you talk to Adrian and look at the statements he’s made, Adrian feels now is the time for him to take a step after almost 35 years with the team and the strength and engineering depth that we have. Go away, ” Horner said.
“We knew the time was coming and we had a structure in place to be able to pick up the baton and get on with it. This is something that has been in place for the last five or six years.”
Horner: Newey will decide his future
It is understood that the terms of Newey’s departure from Red Bull in the first season of 2025 do not include a period of gardening leave, meaning he will be free to join another team in time to challenge them should issues arise with the car’s chassis and performance. of 2026 racing to have a major impact.
sky sports news Ferrari is understood to have approached Newey, with Aston Martin also making a lucrative offer for the 65-year-old. However, Newey is most interested in joining Ferrari and said in Miami that he was “very flattered” by Lewis Hamilton’s kind words for him.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Sky Sports’ Nigel Chiu breaks down what’s next for Adrian Newey after Red Bull confirmed that its chief technology officer will leave in early 2025.
Horner said Newey had “earned the right to take a break from F1” and whatever he decided to do going forward would be up to the car designer himself.
“Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, Adrian was at Williams for seven years, he was at McLaren for seven years and we managed to keep him for 18 years, so I think we’re on track and racing. We all enjoyed some great moments, it was a great journey with Adrian,” Horner added.
“He was my friend, he was the godfather of my children and we are still friends.”
Formula 1 will head to Europe as Imola returns to the calendar following last year’s canceled race. Watch the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix taking place from May 17th to 19th. Watch every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Monthly Membership – no contract, cancel anytime
Advertising content | Live broadcast on Sky Sports now
Watch Sky Sports live now without a monthly or daytime membership contract. Instantly watch live broadcasts of Premier League, EFL, F1, England cricket, tennis, darts and other events.
Book Fury vs Usyk on Sky Sports Box Office
It’s one of the biggest sporting events in a generation. Tyson Fury and Alexander Usyk will battle for the undisputed world heavyweight title on Saturday, May 18, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book now.
