F1 News
Brown sees major problem for Red Bull: 'Can't not be a loss'
- Jeroen Immink
Red Bull Racing's team is changing drastically. Max Verstappen is under contract until 2028 but a 2026 departure hasn't been ruled out, Jonathan Wheatley is leaving for Audi and top designer Adrian Newey is also slamming the Red Bull door behind him after 2024. It is still not known where the Brit will go. But is McLaren an option? CEO Zak Brown has commented.
Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Williams were mentioned as selected candidates for Newey's career continuation. Sky Sports reporter David Croft said Aston Martin and the top designer were largely close to a deal and that an announcement is imminent.
Brown again couldn't resist taking a jab at Red Bull on Sky Sports. "Adrian Newey, I bet it would be nice to have him around the conference room table right now looking at how to improve the car and Jonathan Wheatley is still there but he’s moving on. Rob Marshall has joined us," the McLaren CEO said.
Brown has now also realized that Red Bull is changing its top staff. "“You’ve got three of the most senior people that were in Red Bull - three huge contributors. It can’t not be a loss," the American continued.
Brown: 'Newey always returns my calls'
Brown has previously said that Newey is most likely not an option for McLaren. "He (Newey) always returns my calls. “We’re good friends but as I said I am very happy with the race team that I have.” Concluded the McLaren CEO. Newey previously worked for McLaren from 1998 to 2005. At McLaren, Newey designed a car that led Mika Hakkinen to two world titles in 1998 and 1999.
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This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon