Adrian Newey is officially leaving Red Bull, but there are still some huge questions that must be answered. Where will he go next? And what does it mean for the future of Max Verstappen?
Verstappen has won the last three championships with the Bulls and is on course to make it four in emphatic style this year. He’s also under contract until 2028, so ordinarily there wouldn’t even be a discussion.
But there are a number of complicating factors in this case. The first of those is the interest from Mercedes, determined to make their long-term successor to the Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
What’s more, Verstappen’s contract features significant exit clauses. He has the option to leave if Helmut Marko moves on, and he can also work out the door if he’s dissatisfied with the team’s 2026 project.
Newey’s exit is the next obstacle Christian Horner must navigate. There have been conflicting reports on his importance to Verstappen.
Some have claimed that the Dutchman is ‘extremely likely’ to follow Newey to his next destination. As such, the 65-year-old is the key figure in the F1 driver market.
Others have suggested that Verstappen’s camp are actually more concerned with technical director Pierre Wache staying on, in addition to Marko. Max’s father Jos was initially tight-lipped on the stories about Newey, but insisted they were under no illusions as to ‘how good he is’.
What Jos Verstappen has said about Adrian Newey leaving
Verstappen senior has now spoken to De Telegraaf to offer his immediate reaction to the confirmation of Newey’s departure. And his comments may cause a degree of alarm at Milton Keynes.
He worries that his fears about the team disintegrating are now coming to fruition. It seems the instability at Red Bull will be a major concern for his son.
“The team is in danger of falling apart,” he said. “I was already afraid of that earlier this year.
“It is important for internal peace that the key figures remain on board. That is not the case now.
“Newey is leaving and earlier this year it also looked like Helmut would be sent away. That is not good for the future.”
Will Max Verstappen leave Red Bull?
Mercedes are bound to sense an opportunity to step up their pursuit of Verstappen. They’ve already made it clear that they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get him in their car.
The incentives on the table include a salary even larger than that of seven-time world champion Hamilton and a lucrative ambassadorship deal. Toto Wolff is also ready to pursue Wache and hire Marko if that’s it takes to convince the 27-year-old.
According to the latest reports, Mercedes were already set to hold a meeting with Verstappen at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix. And if that does indeed take place, it will take on an even greater significance.
Verstappen is looking to make it five wins from six races at the Miami International Autodrome. He’s taken victory in both editions of the Grand Prix so far.
It’s unclear whether Wolff would be able to prise him away for 2025, or whether he’d have to wait until 2026. But he’s ready to hand out a one-year deal to Carlos Sainz to ensure he still has a spot for Verstappen in a year’s time.
The post ‘That is not good’: Jos Verstappen fires ‘falling apart’ warning to Red Bull after Adrian Newey announcement appeared first on F1 Oversteer.