Red Bull has responded to comments made by McLaren CEO Zak Brown about the departure of the team’s chief technical officer, Adrian Newey. Brown speculated on further instability within the Red Bull outfit following the allegations around Christian Horner, and this has prompted a firm response from Milton Keynes.
Red Bull’s confirmation of Adrian Newey’s departure at the start of 2025 was meant to be a moment of celebrated transition, focusing on his new role in the RB17 hypercar project and taking a break from the tough 24-race seasons of Formula 1. Instead, it sparked reactions within the Formula 1 community, leading to a stir involving McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown. Brown’s comments on potential further departures from Red Bull prompted a swift and stern response from the reigning champions.
“Am I surprised? Six months ago I would have been surprised, I think…It’s probably the first domino to fall and I don’t think it’s the last…”, Brown said.
This remark led to immediate backlash from Red Bull, quoted by RacingNews365 (translated using Google), who strongly refuted any suggestions of a domino effect occurring within their team.
“In recent months, all technical leaders have signed long-term contracts with Red Bull Racing. So we are not sure which CVs Zak is referring to, but we do not foresee any significant loss and certainly not the domino effect that Zak is hoping for,” a Red Bull spokesperson clarified.
The departure of Adrian Newey is indeed monumental, with a career at Red Bull that includes 118 race victories and 6 World Championships since he joined the team in 2006. His influence on the team’s design philosophy and their subsequent success on the track is indisputable.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal, reflected on Newey’s legacy, emphasizing not only his professional achievements but also his personal impact.
“All of our greatest moments from the past 20 years have come with Adrian’s hand on the technical tiller…He is also my friend and someone I will be eternally grateful to for everything he brought to our partnership,” Horner shared.
As Newey transitions towards focusing on Red Bull’s hypercar project, his legacy at Red Bull Racing continues to resonate. His departure marks the end of an era but also heralds a new chapter for himself and the team as they continue to evolve, before likely either taking retirement or moving to another leading team. The designer is reportedly in talks with Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Williams, with Mercedes also seemingly linked with Newey.
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