Verstappen plays down Newey exit: 'Not as dramatic as it seems'
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Max Verstappen did not have to turn up to the press conference on Thursday, but the Red Bull Racing driver was of course present on the paddock of the Miami International Autodrome to speak to the press and look ahead to next weekend. First, however, there was a quick look ahead to Wednesday's news: Red Bull announcing Adrian Newey's departure from the Austrian racing team.
Newey himself said he would be seeking a new challenge. There are whispers in the paddock that internal unrest within Red Bull - with a power struggle still going on in the background - is the cause of Newey's exit.
Verstappen himself revealed in Miami: "Adrian, from when he started at Red Bull, he was incredibly important for the success that they had. Of course, I think over time his role has changed a bit and I think a lot of people don't understand what he was actually doing. I don't say he was not doing anything, but his role has evolved. A lot of good people came into the team that has strengthened that whole department."
Verstappen wanted Newey to stay
Still, the three-time world champion is sorry to see Newey leave, although he says we shouldn't make a big thing about it. "I would have preferred him to stay because you can always rely on his experience and just as a person, he was a great guy to chat to and relate to because he's very bright, very smart. But I also really trust that our technical team, outside of Adrian, is very, very strong. And they have shown that over the last few years with how competitive the car is. So, from the outside it looks very dramatic, but if you know what is happening inside the team, it's not as dramatic as it seems."
"I think all of these things a couple of years ago would have been a bit unexpected. But I think it's always very important to remain calm and focus on your job, know who you're working with, feel comfortable. At the end of the day we need to have the fastest car. That's what I always demanded. That's what we finally got for a couple of years now. We have a very strong technical team that have been part of the team still for a long time. Basically it goes on like it was going before."
Perez on Newey exit
Sergio Perez was in the press conference on behalf of Red Bull. There, the Mexican also hinted that the top engineer's departure is a loss for the reigning world champion. If a team like Ferrari or Aston Martin were to take on Newey, he would make an immediate impact there. "Absolutely," agreed Perez.