Red Bull mechanic on team spirit: 'You don't notice the hierarchy here'

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Calum Nicholas mechanics team spirit Red Bull Racing adrian Newey
27 June 2023 at 18:12
Last update 27 June 2023 at 20:12

Red Bull Racing pit crew member Calum Nicholas, well known to most F1 fans for his striking head of hair with dreadlocks, talks about the team spirit at Red Bull Racing. What strikes him most is that there is no noticeable hierarchy at the champion Formula 1 team.

Team spirit Red Bull Racing seems excellent

Indeed, team spirit is excellent and so in the PitStop podcast, the Red Bull mechanic discusses how that manifests itself. For example, how is the interaction between the pit crew and Adrian Newey? Nicholas: "We sometimes talk in the garage. You know, for everyone I work with, pretty much, that feels like colleague relationship. Adrian is quite quiet in the garage. He just has got his book out and is working, he is focused in doing his own thing. If he needs you or wants to ask something then those are the interactions you have."

Newey is the mastermind behind the dominant 2022 and 2023 car and has been the driving force behind the development of Red Bull Racing's cars since 2006. Newey was also a crucial factor in the team's supreme years from 2011 to 2013 with Sebastian Vettel at the wheel.

Nicholas continued, "It's sort of like that with everyone. You never actually feel the hierarchy, if you know what I mean. You're aware of it, but it's not a thing like you talk differently to Adrian than I would with any of my other colleagues. It doesn't matter what your role is, everyone has to perform their role."