Verstappen: Newey exit "not as dramatic as it seems" for Red Bull F1
Max Verstappen played down the impact of Adrian Newey's departure from Red Bull, stating the legendary designer's evolving role meant his exit is "not as dramatic as it seems" for the F1 team.
Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, has shed light on the implications of Adrian Newey's imminent departure from Red Bull Racing.
Newey announced his exit from the Red Bull after a remarkable 19-year stint, during which he played a pivotal role in the team's two title-winning streaks with Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen.
While the news of Newey's departure has been viewed as a significant blow for Red Bull, Verstappen provided a reassuring perspective on the team's prospects.
He acknowledged Newey's invaluable contributions but emphasized that the designer's role had evolved over time, diminishing the perceived impact of his exit.
Verstappen's trust in Red Bull's technical team
Verstappen expressed his trust in Red Bull's robust technical team, which has been strengthened by the addition of talented individuals over the years. He stated,
"Of course, Adrian was incredibly important for the success that Red Bull had, but over time his role has changed a bit. I think a lot of people don't understand what he was actually doing."
The Dutchman acknowledged Newey's wealth of experience and the value he brought to the team but remained confident in Red Bull's ability to maintain its competitive edge.
"I also really trust that the technical team that we have outside of Adrian is very, very strong, and they have basically shown that for the last few years with how competitive the car is,"
Verstappen emphasized.
Embracing change and continuity
While Verstappen admitted he would have preferred Newey to stay, he respected the designer's decision to seek a new challenge.
"If someone really wants to leave, they should leave,"
Verstappen said, highlighting the competitive nature of Formula 1 and the need for individuals to pursue their aspirations.
However, Verstappen acknowledged the potential implications of Newey joining a rival team, stating,
"I cannot deny that I would have preferred him to stay just for how he is as a person, his knowledge, and with what he will bring potentially to another team if he wants to join."
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