Horner first responds to Newey leaving Red Bull

Top designer Adrian Newey is leaving Red Bull Racing. Team principal of the constructor, Christian Horner, reacted to his colleague's news for the first time. On Instagram, the Brit already uploaded a photo world showing him with Newey. Horner received a lot of criticism for that.

Horner responds to Newey's departure

Horner does not fear a mass exodus at Red Bull. "No, not at all. I mean, our key pillars are in place for the future. The technical team are all on long term contracts. We've been having to think about this moment for some time. It was always going to come at some point, and I think the structure that we've got in place is, you know, which Adrian has helped contribute to morph and mould into the package that it now is you know, is well set to take up the baton and continue to produce fantastic cars like we have."

Red Bull's team boss does not see Newey joining a new team just yet. "Look, I think he's going to take some time out first and think about, he's 65 years of age. I think he's earned that right to have a bit of time out, spend some time with his wife and family, and that's what he's very keen to do."

'Newey did not leave because of turmoil within Red Bull'

According to Horner, unrest within Red Bull is not the reason for Newey's departure. "No, absolutely not. I think this has been coming for some time and there was discussion of, pretty much twelve months ago that, that, you know, it might have been the time for Adrian to look at stepping back. So I know it's been on his mind for some time and it's been something that we've been having to plan for and what better time to go than with the run of form that we've had over the last couple of seasons with the way that the team is performing."