MIAMI – The departure of Formula One’s top designer Adrian Newey from Red Bull is just the tip of the iceberg, with other talent at the championship outfit dusting off their resumes, said McLaren boss Zak Brown on May 3.
The paddock at the Miami Grand Prix has been buzzing since Newey, a multiple title-winning car designer, dropped the bombshell announcement that he would be leaving in 2025 after almost two decades of service.
The 65-year-old, whose cars have won 25 drivers and constructors’ championships, might be F1’s hottest free agent but Brown believes there could be an exodus of talent looking to escape the turmoil at Red Bull.
“Knowing Adrian pretty well, he’s a very high integrity individual,” he said.
“I’m not surprised he’s moving on. I think the stuff that’s going on there is a bit destabilising, which is probably the first domino to fall and my guess is it won’t be the last based on the resumes that are flying around.”
Brown’s comments support reports that suggest Newey’s decision to move on is linked to allegations over Red Bull team boss Christian Horner’s misconduct towards a female employee – he was cleared of the allegations in February.
Horner has also been in the spotlight over rumoured issues with three-time world champion Max Verstappen’s father Jos and Red Bull motor racing consultant Helmut Marko.
“We’ve seen an increase in CVs coming in our way from the team (Red Bull),” added Brown.
“I think they will be missing what he brings from a pure technical point of view and then the leadership and the excitement you get from working with him will be missed.”
Williams, who have made overtures to Newey, also alluded to the turmoil and instability at Red Bull, making the family atmosphere at their team part of their sales pitch.
“I think anyone here would be foolish not to at least open some conversation with him,” said Williams team principal James Vowles. “We’re a small team that’s trying to make our way back to the front. I think it could fit very perfectly for someone that wants to potentially dig into a challenge like that.
“More than that, what is great about Williams is it’s retained the family feel to it... run by just a group of individuals that want to be there and it’s all about really racing.”
Ferrari, whom Lewis Hamilton will soon join, are reported to be in pole position to sign Newey, with the British driver saying that he would welcome such a development. REUTERS, AFP
