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Max Verstappen has already reacted to the prospect of Adrian Newey leaving Red Bull.
By Jack McEachen
Max Verstappen has discussed the prospect of chief engineer Adrian Newey leaving Red Bull. (Image: Getty)
Max Verstappen is braced for the major departure of Red Bull chief engineer Adrian Newey, having stressed his importance to Christian Horner earlier this month. Various leaks have suggested that the 65-year-old English chief technology officer will leave before the end of his contract in 2025.
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Newey is said to be dissatisfied with the power struggle brewing at Red Bull following the saga surrounding Horner. The team principal was accused and subsequently cleared by an internal investigation after allegations of inappropriate behaviour, though an appeal is ongoing.
Newey has played a key role in Red Bull’s transformation into a Formula One powerhouse, designing the vehicles that Verstappen has driven to three championships in a row. Having been with the team since 2005, overseeing two dominant eras, Newey’s exit will be seen as a major blow for the team.
Rumours have been swirling for several weeks over the futures of key Red Bull figures including Newey, Horner and senior advisor Helmut Marko. When Aston Martin were linked with Newey and the prospect of a big-money move was raised, Verstappen made his feelings clear to Horner that their chief engineer would be missed greatly.
Adrian Newey is reportedly set to leave Red Bull at the end of the season. (Image: Getty)
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Speaking at the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen explained: "We have a lot of people working on the car right, so it's a whole team effort that has to come together.
"Everyone's ideas get taken into account and you build the car that we have today, so yeah for sure, having someone part of the team like Adrian, I think it's a massive boost for everyone and many people work together to achieve the car we have today."
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Newey’s exit would likely unsettle Verstappen and throw his future into further doubt, at a time when he is being openly courted by Mercedes as they attempt to replace the outgoing Lewis Hamilton. The Dutchman recently pledged his future to Red Bull, but such huge structural changes may impact the decision to see out his contract until 2028.
"I signed a long deal,” Verstappen explained at the Chinese GP. “The only thing I said from the beginning is we want to have a peaceful environment, lately we have been talking about the car. I am happy about that, I am happy with the team and there has never been a reason to leave."
Verstappen is able to leave Red Bull prior to his contract’s expiration date if Marko loses his job with the team, confirming at the season’s opening race in Saudi Arabia that he would be prepared to walk away if the Austrian was sacked, and he is likely to view Newey’s departure as a similarly major loss.
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Max Verstappen Red Bull Christian Horner Adrian Newey
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