Newey reveals he's still involved at Red Bull until departure

Newey still involved with Red Bull

Newey's primary focus is on the RB17, Red Bull's hypercar he designed and recently unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. But that is not the only thing the Austrian F1 team's chief technical officer is involved with.

Newey is attending a number of Grands Prix this year on behalf of Red Bull, despite his announced departure. The designer, who will most likely start working for a rival team next year, is officially already on gardening leave. Nevertheless, he still plays a small role in the race weekends he attends.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, the 65-year-old Briton says that his work on a race weekend is mainly of a strategic nature. In addition, he always chats briefly with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. "When I have been – so Miami and Monaco [and Silverstone] – then [it’s about] primarily talking to the drivers a little bit. And then a bit involved in strategy through the races. But it's also been [about] meeting customers – 17 clients and customers," says Newey, referring to the newly released RB17.

This is because, according to Newey, the Red Bull Advanced Technologies project is an important extension of the Austrian F1 team. "And everybody, therefore, is involved not only in the 17 itself but in how Red Bull goes about Formula 1 weekends. And that will continue regardless of my physically being present," Newey said.

This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy