There are concerns that Newey’s Red Bull departure could impact Max Verstappen.
Adrian Newey is ending an immensely successful partnership with Red Bull, exiting the Austrian team after twenty years. His absence, inevitably, will weaken the technical strength of the reigning Champions. This is not to suggest the engineering talent at Milton Keynes is only limited to Newey – with the 65-year-old part of an extensive talent pool. Still, his loss is significant – if anything, because it speaks to the team’s internal divisions. The consequences of Red Bull’s power struggle are still playing out – and the next casualty could be Max Verstappen.
Red Bull instability impacts Verstappen
It was in February that Red Bull’s seemingly well-run ship began to leak. The team’s internal investigation into Christian Horner was the first major fault line, although few could have predicted the events that would follow.
A division clearly split the team into two camps. Team principal Christian Horner still had the support of Red Bull’s majority owner – Charlem Yoovidhya. On the opposite side was the Verstappen camp, featuring Helmut Marko and the reigning 3-time Champion himself.
At one stage, Helmut Marko was on the verge of suspension. This prompted a reaction from Max Verstappen, who described the 80-year-old’s potential exit as “a problem”. Considering the RB20 began the season in a very convincing fashion, these off-track shenanigans were entirely self-inflicted. They are also understood to have contributed to Adrian Newey starting a new chapter.
Jos Verstappen has made a series of controversial comments in 2024. Only a few months ago, he demanded Christian Horner’s departure from the team. The former F1 driver described the team principal as responsible for Red Bull’s crisis.
Jos Verstappen issues warning
In the aftermath of Adrian Newey’s departure, Jos has shown similar concern:
“The team is in danger of falling apart. I was afraid of that earlier this year,” he told De Telegraaf, as quoted by The Mirror.
“For internal peace, it is important that key people stay on board. That is not the case now.
“Newey is leaving… For the future, that is not good.”
Impact of Adrian Newey departure is unclear
So far, the prevailing theme from Red Bull has been the following – a fast car will keep Max Verstappen at Milton Keynes. For now, the RB20 is still the best car in Formula 1. It is also likely that its successor will be capable of fighting at the front.
However, the Austrian squad must navigate a tricky phase. Adrian Newey was an integral part of their success and represents the excellence that fans associate with the Austrian outfit.
Whilst his departure will not immediately cause Red Bull to plummet, Jos Verstappen’s comments are revealing. They indicate discontent within the Championship-winning team, which will have further consequences (for 2026 and beyond).
Toto Wolff senses blood in the water, as evidenced by his media comments in recent months. Mercedes senses an opportunity to capitalise on the situation and tempt Verstappen with a seat at Brackley.
A switch for 2025, of course, is unlikely, given the current performance at the Silver Arrows. That said, very different conversations could emerge with fresh engines and regulations in 2026.
