According to former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos, the Austrian team is doing everything it can to ‘downplay’ the departure of Adrian Newey. The departure of the designer was not assessed as ‘something dramatic’ by Max Verstappen, but according to the Rotterdammer, the loss of Newey is indeed a major blow to the racing team.
On Wednesday it was announced that Newey will leave Red Bull Racing in 2025. In the Race Cafe Doornbos explains that the team actually wanted to go for a longer deal. “She [Red Bull] wanted to keep him longer. Particularly, of course, for the new engine regulations from 2026. How will the engine be installed in the car? Then it is super important that you have such a top engineer on board.” Doornbos also points to the deal that Newey has made, which means that the Briton is now effectively entering his ‘gardening leave’ period. Newey is exclusively involved with the development of the RB17, although he could still be seen on the pit wall on Friday. “If you deal with each other there in good consultation, then I think that is only showing respect for each other.”
Article continues below video
ALSO INTERESTING: Van Haren points to Waché: ‘He is the big man behind this project’
Newey’s role is ‘consciously’ downgraded
Yet the Rotterdammer notices the difference in Red Bull’s approach and points to a statement by Verstappen. “During the incident of [Christian] Horner of inappropriate behavior and when that came out, Max said: ‘I want peace in the team and if one of the top people leaves, the team will fall apart and then we really have a problem. And now it’s being ‘downplayed’ a bit. Yes: a top person has now left with Adrian Newey. I would have preferred not to see him leave, but he is not that important, when you see how many people are trained behind the scenes.”
ALSO INTERESTING: Newey: “Can now enjoy life and take a step back”
Newey’s departure is indeed a loss
F1 journalist Erik van Haren also pointed to the influence of the other leaders of Red Bull Racing. Technical director Pierre Waché is said to be responsible for the current success of the racing stable. Yet Doornbos does not entirely believe that and simply points to the competition. “Another team is like this [met open armen red.] to Newey, Ferrari. [En die hebben iets] like, you are really going to make a difference here. Also Williams and Aston Martin, every team. So it is indeed a loss that he leaves Red Bull, absolutely.”
