Verstappen's Father Issues Warning Amid Newey's Exit From Red Bull
F1Thursday, 02 May 2024 at 12:00
Updated at Thursday, 02 May 2024 at 12:41
The triple World Champion's father, Jos Verstappen, was the first to answer questions from the media after Adrian Newey's departure from Red Bull was officially announced.
On Wednesday, May 1st, the Red Bul Racing team published a press release confirming what rumors had suggested for a couple of days—Adrian Newey would leave the team.
Although the chief engineer at Red Bull had a contract until the end of the 2025 season, and it was speculated he might have to go on a one-year gardening leave, it seems he will be free to join another team in the first quarter of 2025 (that is, if he wanted to).
The departure of the most successful car designer in F1 history is a significant blow for the team from Milton Keynes, where he spent almost 20 years.
Although the official press release did not mention the specific reason for his exit, it was suggested that it was related to a power struggle and multiple conflicts inside the Red Bull Racing team.
Jos Verstappen publicly warned earlier this year that the team was in danger of being torn apart if the team principal, Christian Horner, wouldn't resign.
It then seemed like the situation stabilized itself, but the departure of one of the key members of the team seems to confirm the 52-year-old's previous words. Now that he was proven right, he was asked by De Telegraaf to comment on the situation, and he said:
"The team is in danger of falling apart. I was afraid of that earlier this year. For internal peace, it is important that key people stay on board. That is not the case now."
Recent events might play a critical role in Max Verstappen's decision-making process. He was rumored to be considering a potential move to Mercedes if the situation at Red Bull didn't improve (which obviously didn't happen). Verstappen Sr warns what is happening isn't good for Red Bull's future.
"Newey is leaving and earlier this year it also looked like Helmut [Marko, Red Bull's advisor] would be sent away. For the future, that is not good."
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