Zak Brown stated that Adrian Newey’s departure from Red Bull indicated internal turmoil within the team. Newey, a renowned aerodynamics expert, leaving has sparked discussions in the F1 paddock. Many believe that growing tensions within Red Bull led to his decision to leave. Newey has not addressed these rumors or revealed the true reason for his departure. However, this move could potentially pave the way for other key figures to consider leaving the team, according to McLaren’s CEO.
Brown expressed that he was not caught off guard by the news of Newey’s exit from Red Bull in 2025. While it may have been surprising six months ago, considering Red Bull’s dominance, it is not unexpected to see Newey contemplate leaving the team. Brown also praised Newey’s racing skills and described him as a person of great integrity.
Furthermore, Brown shared his perspective on tensions at Red Bull following the death of a team member in 2022. He stated that the situation had become destabilizing within the Austrian team. Therefore, Newey’s departure is just the first of a series of possible exits of other key figures, leaving behind the highly sought-after engineer.
Brown revealed that McLaren received numerous job applications from Red Bull employees after Newey’s departure. This indicates that several people within the team wanted to leave after his departure. Additionally, Brown praised Newey’s impressive track record and mentioned that many aspire to work alongside the 65-year-old engineer.
Consequently, Brown emphasized that Red Bull will miss Newey’s technical expertise. The team will also lose his leadership and the excitement of working with a talented aerodynamics specialist. Therefore, Newey’s departure may have implications beyond just him ceasing to be an engineer.
As a result, Adrian Newey’s future in Formula 1 is highly anticipated by fans around the world. The 65-year-old man may choose to retire from the sport, but if he decides to join another team, he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Regulatory changes in the 2026 season may hold surprises if Newey joins a new constructor.