Last week, it emerged that legendary designer Adrian Newey intends to leave Red Bull. And naturally, many are wondering about the repercussions for world champion Max Verstappen.
Newey’s departure remains unconfirmed but there’s a belief that he’d like to leave Milton Keynes before the end of the season, with a year still to go on his contract. This could be a damaging blow.
The 65-year-old feels he’s been more influential in Red Bull’s recent success than team principal Christian Horner has given him credit for. They’ve won the last three drivers’ championships, and the last two constructors’ titles.
After finishing a combined 656 points clear of their nearest challengers in 2022 and 2023, they’re on course for a similarly dominant campaign this year. Verstappen has won four out of five races, and led a Red Bull one-two three times.
Theories vary on what Newey’s exit could mean for his future. Previous reports have suggested that Verstappen was ‘extremely likely’ to follow him to a new team, which means he holds the key to the F1 driver market.
However, he doesn’t have a clause in his contract that allows him to make a move in the event of Newey cutting ties with the team. That only applies to director Helmut Marko.
And there’s also a school of thought that the Verstappen camp sees Pierre Wache as an even more integral figure. Wache has been serving as Red Bull technical director since 2018.
What Jos Verstappen thinks about Adrian Newey making Red Bull exit
Speaking to The RaceXpress YouTube channel, Max Verstappen’s father Jos offered his take on the bombshell story around Newey. Predictably, he wasn’t giving too much away.
He simply reiterated that the 65-year-old remains under contract with Red Bull. But he also hinted he was under no illusions as to his value.
“These rumours are normal,” he said. I have nothing to say about it. I know that there is an agreement between him and Red Bull. We’ll see about the rest. We know the results he has achieved and how good he is.”
Bernie Collins has warned that Newey walking away could have ‘massive repercussions’ so close to the sweeping regulation changes at the end of next season. That’s particularly significant amid ‘chatter in the paddock’ that Verstappen could leave Red Bull if he’s dissatisfied with their 2026 project.
Where will Adrian Newey go?
Assuming Adrian Newey does leave Red Bull and continues in Formula 1 – neither of which are guaranteed – then there appear to be three possible destinations. And there could be a mighty tussle for his signature.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has previously refused to rule out a move for Newey and he may now sense an opportunity. Reports claim that they’re bound to be in the race for the former McLaren and Williams man.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin are willing to throw everything at the Englishman, including a contract worth more than £400k per week. However, some insiders at Silverstone believe he’s more likely to join Ferrari.
The Scuderia have previously made three unsuccessful approaches for Newey but he now seems more inclined to move. They had been pushing to bring him in alongside Lewis Hamilton even before recent developments.
The timeline for any transfer is unclear at this stage. Red Bull would likely insist upon a lengthy period of gardening leave, which could prevent Newey working on a rival team’s 2026 challenger.
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