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Russell downplays Adrian Newey's Red Bull exit

Russell downplays Newey's exit: 'There's no I in team'

3 May at 10:44
  • Toby Nixon
  • Editor

Adrian Newey's departure from Red Bull has been the hottest topic in the F1 paddock over the last few days. On media day in Miami, no driver was able to avoid questions about the star designer. Mercedes' George Russell downplayed Newey's sudden exit, as he believes that Red Bull as a collective will still be strong without one of their key figureheads.  

Realistic Russell on Newey:

Speaking in the Miami Paddock, Russell said: "I've never worked with Adrian, so I cannot speak for his skill set, but what I have learned in Formula One is that it's never one individual that is the reason for the success. It's not the one individual for trying, or the driver that brings all the success."

However, Russell does not believe a single person can change the outlook of an entire team. "It's not just a brilliant designer that brings all of the success, or a team principal. It's the collective. It's how everything works well together, and I think that goes with everything. Every sport, probably business as well."

The British driver added: "No matter how great you are, if you're not bonding, genuine with the team and are pushing towards the same goals, you won't be able to achieve anything. So, I believe we have a great team here. Of course, you always want to have the best individuals and make that work. But, (There is) no I in team."

Newey has not been heavily linked with Mercedes. Ferrari or Aston Martin are his rumoured destinations.